Minister slammed for ignoring plea for action on party flats

Published on Saturday 4 April 2009 10:30

MINISTERS have been accused of failing to understand the nightmare of neighbours plagued by drunken revellers in "party" flats.

Edinburgh Central Labour MSP Sarah Boyack hit out after Housing Minister Alex Neil said the Scottish Government had seen no evidence that a new law was needed to deal with the issue.

Residents in several areas of Edinburgh have complained about the noise and disturbance caused when flats are let out to large stag or hen parties.

Neighbours in Grove Street, near Haymarket, have launched a petition appealing for a clampdown on landlords raking in money from these short-term lets.

Ms Boyack said people's lives were being made a misery by "deeply unpleasant antisocial behaviour" from revellers in overcrowded flats, which also posed fire and safety issues.

But when she raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Neil said there were already powers to deal with antisocial behaviour.

Malcolm Chisholm, Labour MSP for Edinburgh North & Leith, said there was a similar problem in developments such as Western Harbour in Leith.

"The people trying to impose the law are telling us there is a problem with the legislation," he said.

Mr Neil said he was ready to listen to further information but he said: "So far, we have not received any evidence that a specific law relating to holiday lets would make any difference."

However, Ms Boyack said landlords offering holiday lets were not currently required to register their property with the council.

She said the existing Antisocial Behaviour Act gave ministers the power to extend the law to allow Asbos to be imposed on landlords offering short-term lets.

She added: "Loopholes have led to a situation whereby a minority of rogue landlords are offering properties for short-term lets without being subject to any regulation.

"The Act provides ministers with the power to extend the legislation to cover just this issue and I would urge the Government to consider using that power."

A Government spokeswoman said: "Councils can already take action against antisocial behaviour caused by stag and hen parties. Fixed penalty notices can be issued on the spot and equipment seized."