Changes to make the housing list for Cornwall “clearer and fairer” have been backed by councillors.
At today’s Full Council meeting, 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.
Cllr Steven Webb, who proposed the motion, said: “This does send a message to Cornwall that we can work together here to try to solve some of the problems that they’re suffering with.”
Councillor Leigh Frost, leader of the Council, reassured members he would make the strongest possible case for Cornwall following the Prime Minister’s announcement of a devolution deal for Cornwall without the need for a mayor.
Cllr Frost said: “We have been invited to Number 10 North to continue those discussions, and I intend to use that opportunity to make the strongest possible case for Cornwall.
“There is still a great deal to work through - and as always, the devil will be in the detail.
“So while I am cautious about not getting ahead of ourselves, it’s clear that this is a real opportunity.”
He told members that devolution should not simply mean changing structures or creating another layer of government but having more power for Cornwall to tackle the issues that matter to our residents, and creating the right conditions for a stronger Cornish economy.
Cllr Frost also announced the launch of the Let’s Talk About Cornwall survey. The survey asks residents what life is like in their communities, how the cost of living is affecting them and their families, and what they want the Council to focus on in the years ahead.
Cllr Frost added: “Whether we are talking about the powers we want to bring back from Westminster or the decisions we already take here in Cornwall, the principle should be the same. Decisions about Cornwall should be shaped by the people who live here.”
Members voted in favour of a motion to review how the Council consults with residents and town and parish councils on decisions that have an environmental or public health impact.
A motion calling for the Council to increase members’ and officers understanding of the impacts of climate change and to show the Government’s National Emergency Briefing film was also passed.
Press release issued on September 15, 2026