CHANGES to make the housing list for Cornwall “clearer and fairer” have been backed by councillors.

At Full Council meeting on Tuesday (September 15), members backed a motion calling for people applying for social housing to have more information about their chances of being offered a home.

Cornwall’s social and affordable housing register has grown from around 9,000 households in March 2020 to around 25,000. Around 500 new applications are received each month, while approximately 120 households are housed.

The motion, entitled “A Fairer, Clearer Housing List for Cornwall” was proposed by Cllr Steven Webb (LibDem, Truro Moresk and Trehaverne) and seconded by Cllr Mike Thomas (Independent, Helston North). It asks for changes to be implemented as part of the annual review of the Homechoice Allocations Scheme in March 2027.

Cllr Webb said: “I was really proud to see councillors from across the chamber come together on this. Cornwall needs a housing list that is clear, honest and useful, not only for the people waiting for a home, but for councils, developers and everyone trying to understand what homes are actually needed and where.”

But he added: “Let’s be honest, a dashboard is not a home. Ultimately, we need to build. We need homes for the people who already live here, and for our children who have moved away to university, gained skills and experience, and want the chance to come home, build their lives here and contribute to Cornwall’s economy. There is a huge amount still to do, and this motion will not solve the housing crisis on its own. But it is a step in the right direction.

“Cornwall has broad shoulders and can handle the truth. If someone has little realistic prospect of being housed, we should be honest about that rather than giving them false hope. Then we can be clearer with developers, communities and decision makers about exactly what Cornwall needs to build, and where.”