Cabinet - 6 May 2026

The Cabinet meeting on 18 March 2026 was formally recorded and signed by the Chairman after being moved and seconded by Councillors Frost and Paynter. The Leader opened the session by outlining the newly‑launched Kernow Industrial Growth Fund, a £30 million government‑backed programme intended to catalyse roughly £70 million of additional private investment in Cornwall’s priority sectors such as clean energy, marine innovation and critical minerals. He stressed that the fund was a first step and that sustained, multi‑year investment would be required to rebalance the regional economy, improve wages and create better‑paid jobs. The Leader also reported on a visit by Professor Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer for England, who discussed rural health challenges—including hidden deprivation, social isolation, an ageing population and transport barriers—with NHS partners, community groups and residents.

A series of public questions were raised and answered by the appropriate portfolio holders. Mr G Smith queried the council’s handling of the former General Wolfe pub in St Austell, to which the Leader explained that the building’s deterioration and rising construction costs rendered the original temporary‑housing business case unviable and that the council was now seeking an alternative use. Mrs S Knights asked about a safe riverside pathway along Newham Road in conjunction with the Lighterage Quay bridge; the Transport portfolio holder noted that while the bridge project remained a priority, current appraisals did not support a full footway at this stage, though dialogue with stakeholders would continue. Additional questions addressed the floating wind‑farm coordination centre at Newquay Airport, the Boardmasters crowd‑surge investigation, and the Isles of Scilly Skybus public‑service contract; responses clarified that the wind‑farm proposal was at feasibility stage with no council capital commitment, that the Boardmasters report was still under statutory health‑and‑safety review, and that the Skybus contract followed a formal tender process requiring CAA compliance, with the council not responsible for aviation licensing.

The Cabinet approved the Council’s Annual Report for 2025‑2026, recognising the achievements of the Liberal Democrat and Independent coalition administration over the past twelve months. The report was highlighted as a demonstration of the council’s focus on delivering the “Priorities for Cornwall” despite broader economic pressures, and it was praised for its rapid preparation and comprehensive coverage of the council’s work.

The Transport portfolio holder presented and secured approval of the refreshed Cornwall Road Safety Strategy, which aligns with the national Safe System approach and sets interim targets of a 50 % reduction in road deaths and serious injuries by 2030 (equating to 12 fewer deaths and 138 fewer serious injuries). The strategy emphasizes evidence‑based interventions, protection for vulnerable road users, and the particular risks associated with Cornwall’s predominantly rural road network.

Finally, the Cabinet deferred two pending matters. It postponed a decision on the implications of differing fare tariffs across Cornwall until further analysis could be completed and the concerns of the Scrutiny Committee addressed. It also deferred the amalgamation of the six historic taxi zones, noting that a consultation had returned mixed responses and that additional work was needed to assess the impact on enforcement, driver mileage and rural accessibility. These deferrals indicate that the council will continue to engage with stakeholders before finalising policy changes in these areas.