A Labour controlled council is lobbying the government to allow it to trial a licensing scheme for Airbnb landlords.

Brighton and Hove council will debate the call next week. 

A report to councillors says such a scheme would aim to raise health and safety standards in short lets, prevent rubbish dumping and raise revenue.

The report, seen by Brighton local media, says: “The government is still developing the online platform which it intends to test with a number of local authorities.”

The report adds that an early version could be ready later this year or next.

The council’s Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee is to discuss the issue next Tuesday. 

Last year, the council agreed to consider stricter planning rules for new homes and conversions to prevent them from being used as short lets.

Other ideas included establishing “zones” – similar to those for hotels and bed and breakfasts – with tougher planning rules outside the relevant areas.

Council estimates at the size of Brighton’s short let stock range from 2,000 to 6,000.