MSPs clash in row over short term lets and second homes

Perth and Kinross MSPs clashed this week over the issue of second homes and short term lets in the region which are more than twice the national average.

- ALASTAIR MCNEILL

Green MSP Mark Ruskell insisted tax rises on the wealthy would reduce the number of second homes and short-term lets and tackle the housing crisis, but Conservative Murdo Fraser said the solution was building more houses in rural areas and accused his Mid Scotland and Fife colleague of wishing to punish second home owners.

According to Scottish Government 2024 figures second homes and short term lets in Perth and Kinross make up 3.9 per cent of all housing in the area more than double the national average of 1.8 per cent.

The region has 1083 second homes and 1875 STL licences-2958 combined or 3.89 per cent out of 76, 136 dwellings.

As of March 2023 there were 3312 people on the application list for social housing in Perth and Kinross with an average of 1000 properties becoming available for rent each year.

Mr Ruskell pointed out that tax rises on the wealthy would reduce the number of second homes and short-term lets in Perth and Kinross.