Nearly 200 people were listed as homeless in north Cornwall in 2001

North Cornwall District Council wants to use holiday homes and second homes to solve its housing problems.

Within the next year, the authority will ask second-property owners if they would be prepared to offer temporary accommodation to homeless people.

With many second homes vacant for most of the year, the council hopes to ease pressure on its housing services.

Permanent housing

In 2001, nearly 200 people were homeless in north Cornwall.

Many homeless people are put up in bed and breakfast accommodation while they wait for more permanent housing.

But the council wants to rely less on such an expensive form of accommodation.

The success of the scheme though will depend on whether those who have paid for the luxury of a second home will be prepared to open their doors to the homeless.

North Cornwall District Council said: "The shortage of affordable housing either to rent or buy is one of the key problems for local residents and one that we are seeking to address as a high priority."