Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the reply by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 26 February (HL Deb, col 89), what progress has been made on the introduction of the accreditation body for short-term lettings; what consultation has taken place and is planned to take place; who has been, or will be, consulted; and when they expect such a body to be established.

We welcome the work that the Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA) is doing to drive up standards and promote best practice.

The STAA is introducing a voluntary industry accreditation scheme for short term rental businesses and hosts that allows properties to become STAA accredited if they meet certain standards, including on health and safety. The accreditation scheme is organised by Quality in Tourism, and has been developed in conjunction with Visit England and piloted with at least three different sized organisations. The scheme is live on the STAA’s website, and will be formally launched on 14 March at the STAA’s Short Stay Show annual industry conference.