WAR veteran Jamie Streets is jubilant this week after Cornwall Council backed down over its refusal to rehome him and his family following a national outcry.

The council’s initial response to the Streets’ plight, prompted a huge backlash not only from friends and family, but from a number of national charities, former colleagues of Jamie and complete strangers who condemned the council’s stance.

The Streets had been told they did not qualify for a council home after it was claimed they had made themselves intentionally homeless by voluntarily leaving private rented accommodation.

Jamie and his wife Charmaine maintained they had done the “honourable thing” by leaving that home after their money ran out, forcing them to rely on benefits. Their landlady’s mortgage agreement does not allow her to rent to people on benefits.

The council had put the family, Jamie, Charmaine and children Suvannah, two; Briea, nine, Leo, 13 and Tyler, 15, into temporary accommodation at Longfield, but had then denied them a permanent home.

However, after their story was exclusively revealed in the Packet, and subsequently went viral on Facebook and Twitter, offers of help flooded in, petitions were set up and Cornwall Council agreed to review its decision.

Now, just three weeks later, the Streets have been told they are to be given a permanent home by the council. “I had a phone call on Friday and they said they would house us,” said Charmaine, whose parents and sister live in Falmouth.

“They are looking at alternatives to where we are now because it is not suitable – it’s too small and damp – and we will probably have to go into another temporary home until a house comes up, but we are so happy. It’s a massive weight off our shoulders, it’s so good.

“We are totally humbled by the support we have received from family, friends and even people who don’t know us. It has been truly overwhelming.”

The Streets are hoping their permanent home will be in the Falmouth and Penryn area as Charmaine has to rely on the support of her family, should further problems arise with Jamie’s health. He was medically discharged from the Army against his wishes after a brain tumour was discovered. Although surgery was successful, a small bit of the tumour remains and Jamie, 34, has suffered from seizures although it is hoped these are now under control.

A statement released by Cornwall Housing said: “In all cases where there has been a negative homelessness decision, such as a decision that someone has become intentionally homeless, applicants are offered the opportunity to ask for a formal review of the decision. Such reviews, which are carried out by a senior manager who was not involved in the original decision, provide the opportunity for an objective consideration of the decision and for the applicant to put forward any additional information relating to their case.

“In this case further information was provided by the applicant in relation to the circumstances which led to them giving up their privately rented property without being given formal notice. Having considered this additional information the review has concluded that it would not have been reasonable to continue to occupy their privately rented tenancy and has, therefore, overturned the original decision of intentional homelessness. This means that their application has now been accepted.

“Where a duty is accepted towards a homeless household, they will be provided with temporary accommodation until they may be found housing which may either be in the private or social housing sectors.”

This decision has been welcomed by Falmouth councillor Grenville Chappel, who has worked with the Streets for six months in the hope of finding a resolution. “This is fantastic news,” he said. “I am pleased that Cornwall Housing has seen the light, but it is a shame that this family has been put through so much stress and bother over this. I cannot see why they (Cornwall Housing) could not have seen sense earlier.”