Sharing sector blasted for lack of safety checks
MPs have described the listing of properties that lack fire safety features by accommodation platforms such as Airbnb as “unacceptable”.
The All-Party Parliamentary
Group for Leisure, Tourism and the Hospitality Industry published a report last week concluding: “Sharing economy companies are very poor at providing information [on] statutory responsibilities regarding health and safety.” The MPs note: “Leading sharing economy platforms do not check if hosts are compliant with regulations such as gas and fire safety before allowing them to post a property.” The report, ‘Inquiry into the Sharing Economy’, focused exclusively on accommodation platforms including Airbnb, which lists 168,000 UK properties. It notes of the online fire safety checklists that platforms such as Airbnb give to hosts: “If hosts state they do not provide smoke alarms, CO2 monitors or fire safety equipment, the registration process still allows the host to list their property and start taking
“If hosts state they do not provide fire safety equipment, they can still list their property”
bookings. This is unacceptable.” The report is not hostile to the
sector. It concludes: “The sharing economy provides significant opportunities for tourism growth in the UK.” But it notes “considerable concerns that hosts providing accommodation do not comply with health and safety regulations”. The MPs argue: “The systems in place for informing hosts of their legal responsibilities are inadequate…some even allow hosts to register properties if they confirm they have no fire safety equipment installed.” The report quotes Airbnb’s
terms and conditions, which state: “Airbnb has no control over and does not guarantee the existence, quality, safety, suitability or legality of any listing.”
It suggests the sector’s failings are compounded by the fact that
‘UNACCEPTABLE’: Safety checks not required for property listings
listed properties are not subject to inspection. The MPs point out: “Regulatory authorities are not able to locate sharing economy accommodation providers, making it difficult to implement an effective inspection regime. “Few, if any, sharing economy
properties are ever inspected.” The report advises the
government to act urgently “to assess whether local enforcement agencies have adequate resources to carry out safety inspections of accommodation businesses” and recommends: “Accommodation providers should not be allowed to register properties without proof of [fire-safety] assessments.” The EC demanded Airbnb align
its terms and conditions and presentation of prices with EU consumer rules last month and gave the company until the end of August to propose solutions or face enforcement action.
Hotel sector handed ‘settled status’ toolkit
The Home Office has launched a ‘toolkit’ designed with help from business and trade associations to help EU citizens obtain ‘settled status’ in Britain post-Brexit. The UKHospitality association revealed it had worked
“closely” with the government to develop the initiative. Speaking at the launch last week, UKHospitality
chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “Dissemination of information to employees is going to be crucial. “Members need to reassure EU staff they are
welcome in the UK, so this is a big step forward. Clear communication with EU citizens on how to register
themselves and their dependants for settled status is essential. Employers are going to play a crucial role in communicating the scheme to employees.” Up to 3.8 million EU citizens live and work in the
UK. Clarifying their right to remain is key to ensuring equivalent rights for UK citizens working across the EU – a major concern for the outbound sector. The settlement scheme will be introduced in phases, with the government insisting it will be in full operation by the end of next March, the date set for Brexit. There is a deadline for applications of June 2021.
Airbnb issues fire safety guide for property hosts
Airbnb will issue fire safety guidance to hosts across the UK in a joint effort with the National Fire Chiefs Council. The company said the move
marked a “step up to lead the industry on fire safety”. The two-page fire-safety
guide has been produced in collaboration with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Airbnb UK public policy manager Natasha Mytton Mills said: “We’re committed to supporting safe hosting. Whether it’s taking a minute to test your smoke alarms regularly or having an escape plan for guests, we’re encouraging all hosts to follow a few simple steps.” Nick Coombe, vice-chairman
of the NFCC protection committee, said: “The NFCC is delighted to see Airbnb carrying out a number of initiatives to promote home fire safety. We’re encouraging hosts to approach their local fire service for help.” Airbnb said the guide would
“bring guidance up to date with current industry standards”.
FIRE SAFETY: Airbnb has produced a two-page guide for hosts
2 August 2018
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