A politician in one of the poorest parts of the UK wants his local authority to declare a ‘housing emergency’.

Cornish councillor Tim Dwelly says the number of homes available to rent in the county has fallen because landlords have switched from long to short term lets, and in some cases have sold up to second home buyers.

He also wants a landlord registration system and other regulations on the private rental sector, and the council to provide some of its own properties for private rental.
The Cornwall Live news website says Dwelly is proposing a motion to Cornwall Council with eight key demands.

– A major increase in the number of affordable homes delivered in Cornwall each year with an aspiration to double numbers if possible;

– Urgent reallocation of resources in the capital programme to prioritise deliver of this affordable housing, including council housing;

– A significant and rapid expansion in the delivery of council-owned high quality private rented homes for existing residents;

– Reduce the threshold at which affordable housing is required on new developments from 10 to a suitable lower figure that reflects Cornwall’s housing emergency;

– Urging Government and Homes England to maximise additional central government resources to address Cornwall’s housing emergency (including starter homes initiatives, key worker housing self-build);

– Implement private rented sector reforms including landlord registration;

– Urge Government to review and change its recent decision to bar higher council tax on second homes. Lobby for a council tax supplement of up to 100% (to match the system in Wales). Ring fence any additional revenue secured to fund supply of homes prioritised for residents;

– Review availability of Cornwall Council owned land and excess buildings that can be used to provide emergency accommodation to those unable to find a home to rent in the usual ways.

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