Research by Cornwall Housing has revealed that more than 18,000 households in Cornwall are actively seeking social housing in Cornwall.

Cornwall Housing, on behalf of the Homechoice Partnership, has reviewed the accounts of all Homechoice applicants who haven’t logged into Cornwall’s social housing allocation system for more than 12 months and the review has shown there are 18,500 active applicants on Cornwall’s housing register. 

Only 2,250 council owned or housing association homes become available each year through Homechoice.

Councillor Joyce Duffin, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for housing, said: ’Finding an affordable home remains the biggest challenge facing thousands of families in Cornwall.

’Because of the severe shortage of affordable housing, Cornwall Council has many more people looking to us to provide a home than we have available properties.’

There will be a rolling review of Homechoice applicants’ accounts going forward to ensure applicants are actively seeking social housing. This will enable those in the greatest housing need to be prioritised more effectively, says the council.