In Cornwall, a growing number of young people are living in vans as they are priced out of the housing market, according to a new report. The phenomenon reflects a broader crisis in coastal and rural areas where wages have not kept pace with property costs.
The scale of the issue
Research by the Cornwall Housing Commission found that the average house price in the county is now 11 times the average local salary, compared to a national average of 8 times. This has led to a surge in the number of people living in vehicles, with an estimated 3,000 van dwellers in Cornwall, many of whom are under 35.
One van dweller, 28-year-old Lily Matthews, told the Guardian: "I work full-time as a care worker, but I can't afford even a room in a shared house. Living in my van is the only way I can stay in the area where I grew up."
Impact on communities
The trend is creating tensions in some communities, with local residents complaining about parking and waste issues. However, advocates argue that van dwellers are often workers who fill essential roles in tourism and social care.
"These are not people trying to avoid work; they are key workers who contribute to the local economy," said Sarah Jones, a spokesperson for the Cornwall Housing Commission. "The lack of affordable housing is driving them into insecure, unsuitable living conditions."
Policy responses
Cornwall Council has announced plans to increase the supply of affordable homes, with a target of 1,000 new units per year. But critics say this is insufficient given the scale of the problem. The council is also reviewing its enforcement policies on unauthorised encampments, seeking to balance the needs of van dwellers with those of permanent residents.
"We recognise that many people are living in vans out of necessity, not choice," said a council spokesperson. "We are working to provide more supported accommodation and to ensure that those living in vehicles have access to basic amenities."
Broader implications
The situation in Cornwall is mirrored in other parts of the UK, particularly in tourist hotspots and rural areas. National housing charities have called for government intervention to address the root causes of the crisis, including a lack of social housing and rising second-home ownership.
"The van dwelling phenomenon is a symptom of a broken housing system," said a spokesperson for Shelter. "Without significant investment in affordable homes, more people will be forced into precarious living situations."
