NEW DETAILS have been revealed about Cornwall Council's new Homeshare initiative that looks to tackle loneliness and provide companionship.

As covered by The Packet this week, Cornwall Council has announced it is partnering with Supportmatch and Cornwall’s Voluntary Sector Forum to deliver the Homeshare scheme, with the aim of reducing loneliness, providing practical support and affordable accommodation.

Now, after enquiries made by The Packet, Cornwall Council have revealed some of the finer details of the scheme including how it affects the council tax payments of those involved and the eligibility criteria required to become involved.

Will it affect my Council Tax payments?

The answer to this is a still quite vague "maybe."

The Packet asked Cornwall Council whether a single person enrolled on the scheme lose their single person council tax discount, and were told by a spokesperson for Cornwall Council that: "This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on circumstances of each Householder.

"In some instances, the single person discount will be affected, in which case the Homesharer will contribute £25 per month."

Will I be expected to pay the homeowners bills?

Considering the cost of living and energy crises we're all currently living through, it's understandable that anyone considering taking part in the scheme would be interested to find out what, if any, contributions they would be required to make towards a homeowner's bills such as water and energy?

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: "The Householder will continue to be responsible for the bills, however Homesharers are aware that if there is too much usage they will be asked to pay for surplus use.

"Although it is important to focus on the savings a householder will be making on the support offered by the Homesharer."

How do I know we'll get on?

As The Packet reported, the aim of the scheme is to attempt to combat loneliness and provide practical support to those who might need it.

There are a number of ways in which practical support could be measured, such as the number of times a dog is walked per week or how much cooking or cleaning someone does.

According to Cornwall Council, Supportmatch Homeshare will provide a 'monitoring service' where both parties are invited to review the arrangement as and when needed, in order to ensure they get on.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council, said: Review meetings are arranged regularly with both Householders and Homesharers.

"The aim of Homeshare is to create friendships, as well as providing affordable support and affordable accommodation, where companionship is and should be a natural and spontaneous exchange, this is what happens in a good match.

"Supportmatch offers continuous support throughout the duration of the arrangement to make sure both parties are happy."

What makes me eligible to take part?

According to Cornwall Council, the criteria for eligibility is that "all homesharers must be 18 and over, single or couples, able to support a Householder in need of basic support around the home and companionship."

Are you thinking of taking part in the scheme? Let us know your thoughts by emailing ryan.morwood@newsquest.co.uk or calling 07391228691