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| Can you Afford to Live in Cornwall? |
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Page 6 of 6 Housing solutions? There are no easy solutions to the housing problems faced by so many people in Cornwall and, clearly, housing is linked to jobs and income. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking: 1) An effective enquiry developed into the demographics of what are loosely described as ‘second homes’ and housing businesses. This would look closely into loopholes in the tax-avoidance situation, where second homeowners re-front themselves as agencies to cut costs 2) A reassessment of the situation since the sale of council homes. There are indications that a restoration of council housing might be very beneficial 3) Family breakdowns are a major factor contributing to the housing crisis. As people separate there is obviously a need for more housing. Creating effective mechanisms to support families, and particularly the elderly, is not simply a question of throwing money at an issue, but also raises hard questions about moral values 4) The work of organisations like St Petroc’s Society and the Campaign against Rural Poverty need more recognition and financial support 5) The issue of the finances of The Duchy has hit the national newspapers. There is much warmth towards Prince Charles, Duke of Cornwall, and his wife but means must be found to ensure that capital generated within The Duchy is not lost out of the Cornwall 6) In many countries in Europe, housing takes place in multiple-occupancy flats. This can be done in a way that does not involve the horrors of tower blocks. Cornwall has many clever and effective architects. There are areas where, if energy is diverted from luxury homes, this may form part of the solution, at least, for students and young people 7) Housing matters must be co-ordinated within Europe. The arrival of workers from other countries has benefited the economy but their integration has not been effectively planned. It seems certain this has added to the problems presented by campsites and so may well contribute to prejudice, not to mention racism 8) Housing support for key workers, nurses, teachers and social workers is now available in and around London. There has been a brain drain out of this area for too many years 9) The Combined Universities of Cornwall could be a home for a Department of Architecture, with an accent upon developing habitations incorporating alternative energy sources and passive cooling |
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