Cornwall has become an increasingly sought-after location for second homeowners to buy property, including holiday homes and buy-to-lets. The situation, which residents claim has left many priced-out of the property market, has prompted campaigners to make urgent calls for action to be taken to address the housing crisis.
Later this month, a demonstration is set to take place in Truro, south Cornwall, to demand immediate action be taken to stem the housing problem.
In a post on social media, protest organiser, Bella Smith, said: “We cannot live like this any longer, and we won’t accept growing mass homelessness of people in Cornwall and ever-expanding house prices becoming an accepted part of life.
“We demand action, we demand change, we demand dignity.
“We are not just bartenders, ice-cream servers, and lifeguards, we are people who deserve to be able to rent and buy where we live.
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Former council homes were reportedly being illegally rented out as student accommodation and as places to stay on the Airbnb website, causing concerns it was attributing to the housing problem.
Cornwall Council had reportedly stated it would take legal action against any property owners who failed to follow the rules set out following the sale of council properties.
However, campaigners now fear that the issue may have been put on the back burner due to the pandemic.
Earlier this month, Cornwall Council began installing 18 new temporary homes for homeless single individuals in New Country Hall car park in a bid to address the housing situation.
Reflecting on the issue, Bella Smith posted on social media: “Cornwall Council building cabins is not enough, and does absolutely nothing to address the roots and growing catastrophe of this crisis.”
In response to the housing situation, a spokeswoman for Cornwall Council said: “Addressing the pressures on housing is the top priority for Cornwall Council.
“We are acting swiftly to deal with the immediate issues as well as to implement a more ambitious long-term plan, including providing decent affordable homes, social housing and temporary housing for residents in urgent need and tackling issues relating to second homes and holiday lets.”
Encouraging people to join the protest and have their say during the protest on August 21, Bella Smith added: “Come to the protest, show your support, and you can share your story or someone else’s in living through and experiencing this housing crisis.”
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