Cornwall hospital worker turned to social media in desperate bid to find home
Graham Milne from Falmouth fears thousands of NHS staff are facing the same crisis
Last updated 17th Nov 2021
An NHS worker from Cornwall who has been struggling to find somewhere affordable to live fears thousands are facing the same crisis.
Graham Milne issued an appeal on social media after finding out he was being evicted.
The 60-year-old, who works in the radiography department at Treliske hospital, had been renting a cottage in Falmouth for eight years when the landlord decided to sell.
He has now been offered a property in his home town by a couple from Spain, after the appeal went viral.
However, Graham has told us he was only able to afford that by sharing: "I could only afford to do it by going in with the housemate that I've currently got. There is nothing for me, as a single man, on the market to house me comfortably. There is nothing. Absolutely nothing. It's far too expensive".
Graham said he followed up multiple leads but was struggling to find anywhere for less than £1,000pm.
"As a key worker, I cannot get a single bed with a living space and a kitchenette and shower for under £750pm, plus utility bills and Council Tax so you're talking about £1,000pm. It's out of my reach. I just can't do it".
Graham's Appeal received HUNDREDS of shares
This was the initial story Graham posted on social media, which received over 700 shares.
May the power of social media do it's thing!
I have lived in Falmouth for 30 years. I have never been unemployed. I have never had a criminal conviction. I work at RCHT Treliske in the radiography dept.
Last week I was served with a S21 eviction notice to vacate my home of 8 years by 31st December 2021 as my landlords wish to sell their property. This has been devastating news.
I am 60 years old and have a 15 year old son who is preparing for his GCSEs (He also represents Cornwall playing basketball in a national league and also SW England). My current situation is stressful in the extreme and I fear for my health and my sons future. I am determined to continue to work as Treliske and particularly my team are under so much pressure at the moment which I don't want to add to. However, I don't know how long I can keep this up... its very difficult to search for a house whilst working shifts full time.
My current housemate and I are searching for a suitable 2/3 bed property in Falmouth or Truro or anywhere in between as you tend to get more for your money that way. However, I would also consider a one bed apartment if suitable.
I have registered with countless property agents and contacted Cornwall Council (where I join a queue of 18,000 people and who won't even look at my case for 28 days!). I have viewed one property in the last week to find that 75 others had also requested a viewing. I have even written to Cherilyn Mackrory MP. The housing situation in Cornwall is dire and shocking and absolutely scandalous.
All I ask is that my Cornish friends or those with Cornish contacts to message me if they know or hear of a place to rent either through an agent or private landlord and to share the hell out of this post.
Calls for action to tackle 'dire' housing crisis
Since posting the appeal, Graham told us he believes many more people are facing the same crisis and is calling for MPs and politicians to act by introducing measures like a cap on rental prices.
"It is getting worse daily and I am one of thousands of people in this position.
"I viewed several houses and was staggered that so many people were going after that same house and at that point I started to panic".
Graham went on to say: "The housing crisis in Cornwall does, without doubt have an affect on staff retention at Treliske".
He added: "Rents are far too high for 1000s of people on low incomes. I truly believe that rents should be capped. Second home owners should be taxed appropriately. Rent officers should be reinstated to determine that properties are fit to be lived in and a fair rent imposed on the tenant which the landlord must abide by".
Graham said he has become increasingly shocked and at what he has described as the greed of some landlords, saying they are "cashing in on the fact that demand for housing is greater than supply".
He says he will continue to put pressure on local MPs to do more to tackle the crisis.