Cornwall Council’s plan to sell 19 council houses has faced backlash amid a housing crisis, with critics calling the decision misguided and harmful to the community.
The council plans to sell 19 homes they consider “surplus.” The Tory housing councillor blames the previous administration for neglecting these properties. Repairs would cost over £50,000 each, making them too expensive to keep.
Catriona Smith from the council’s property services explained that the council can’t hold onto homes with no future value. Selling them could generate funds and reduce costs. The properties could be repurposed for commercial or community use.
Some of the homes on the list include 3 The Praze and several on Brook Place in Penryn. Critics like Cllr Andrew Mitchell are shocked. He questions how the council can sell affordable homes during a housing crisis.
Cllr Julian German, a shadow leader, promises to restore a team to manage empty homes if Independents gain leadership. He believes they can increase social housing by 25% using second homes council tax.
Deputy leader Thalia Marrington argues selling homes is the wrong approach. She emphasizes the need to make properties rentable to help families in need. Labour councillor Stephen Barnes calls the decision incompetent, given the growing housing waiting list.
Cllr Olly Monk, the Conservative housing member, defends the decision. He states the properties were neglected and now unviable to repair. The sales will fund new, energy-efficient homes for residents.
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