Homelessness Hits Cornwall As Council Cracks Down On Van Dwellers

Cornwall Council has issued eviction notices to 120 individuals living in roadside vans, citing violations of a 2022 Public Spaces Protection Order. The order prohibits overnight parking in designated areas, with enforcement escalating after a 2023 review of the policy. Council officials confirmed the notices were issued in late July, with residents required to vacate by August 15.

The affected individuals, many of whom have lived in the vans for years, argue the measures disproportionately target low-income households. Sarah Jenkins, a van dweller and organizer with the Domesday Project, stated, “We’ve been here for decades, but suddenly we’re criminalized. This isn’t about safety—it’s about displacement.” The group estimates 300 people in Cornwall rely on van living, with 40% reporting chronic health issues linked to unstable housing.

Cornwall Council’s head of environmental services, Mark Trew, defended the crackdown, citing “public health and safety concerns” and a 2023 audit showing 15% of van sites lacked proper waste disposal. The council has allocated £250,000 for temporary shelter placements, but advocates say the funding falls short of demand. A July 2024 report by the Local Government Association noted similar challenges in 18 English counties, with 65% of councils reporting increased homelessness among mobile populations.

The eviction notices have triggered a legal challenge from the Van Dweller Rights Alliance, which claims the policy violates the European Convention on Human Rights. A judicial review is scheduled for September 10, with lawyers arguing the council failed to consult affected residents before enforcement. Cornwall’s deputy mayor, Emily Harrow, acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating, “We’re balancing community needs with regulatory obligations.”

Residents face limited alternatives, as temporary shelters in the region operate at 90% capacity. The council has partnered with the charity Shelter to offer housing advice, but 70% of van dwellers surveyed in June 2024 reported “no viable long-term options.” The situation has drawn attention from national politicians, with Labour MP James Whitaker calling for a “national housing strategy for mobile communities.”

Cornwall Council’s enforcement team has begun daily patrols in high-traffic areas, with 15 vans removed since July 20. The agency declined to provide a breakdown of removals by demographic, citing “ongoing investigations.” Meanwhile, the Van Dweller Rights Alliance plans to stage a protest outside the council headquarters on August 12, demanding revised policies.