New report reveals high levels of deprivation and social isolation in Cornwall
Cornwall Community Foundation and the University of Exeter is addressing an urgent need for support
A report in partnership with the Cornwall Community Foundation and the University of Exeter has highlighted high levels of deprivation and rural isolation across Cornwall.
The Vital Signs study found only 11% of homes in the Duchy are social housing, compared to UK average of 17%.
The report highlights challenges that communities across Cornwall are facing, and how local philanthropy can make a huge difference by addressing the urgent need.
Professor Catherine Leyshon from the Centre for Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus said – “The Vital Signs report brings together data from a range of sources to give a full picture of the connected issues faced by people in Cornwall.
"Taking this holistic view helps us to understand how to tackle these issues – and the voluntary sector is critical to this effort".
In 2021 a full-time worker in Cornwall earned £20,628, 79% of the UK gross median annual salary.
Across Cornwall 26.5% of the population earned under the living wage, compared to 17.1% across the UK. 20.3% of Cornwall’s workforce are self-employed compared to 13.5% for the UK and 49% of self-employed people earn less than the minimum wage.
The report also raisies the issue of housing costs which have increased more than the national average, with many landlords converting their long term lets to Airbnb. Only 11% of the housing stock in Cornwall is social housing, compared to an average of 18% across England.
Jessie Hamshar, Head of Cornwall Partnerships at the University of Exeter, said “This research collaboration is a great example of how University of Exeter is working with the communities of Cornwall, so that together we can create a greener, fairer, healthier future for all who live here.
"Its findings show there is much to be done, and we hope it proves a rallying call to policy-makers and philanthropists alike".
The report is the second Vital Signs study which has been completed - with the previous report being published in 2017. It gives a detailed analysis of a wide range of social measures across Cornwall that CCF commission every few years in order to direct their grant giving where it is needed most.
Tamas Haydu, Chief Executive of the CCF added: “We are very grateful to the University of Exeter for reviewing statistical data for the report and to the community groups who supported the research by hosting community consultations or by responding to our survey.
"Our Vital Signs report brings you the voice of our communities supported with facts and statistics, and offers an insight into fantastic local initiatives that are directly addressing these issues".
You can read the full report on their website. |newtab)