Cabinet - 30 July 2025

The Cabinet meeting began with the formal approval of the previous meeting’s minutes, which were moved by Councillor Frost, seconded by Councillor Paynter and resolved to be signed by the Chairman. The Leader highlighted the Cabinet’s recent discussion of Cornwall’s challenges – housing, health, transport and wellbeing – and announced that the Cabinet would adopt a new set of priorities to guide the forthcoming Council Plan and Medium‑Term Financial Plan. The six priorities adopted were: strong, safe and vibrant communities with affordable homes; a clean, green environment with healthy rivers and seas; a resilient economy delivering growth and jobs; a caring place for families and children; support for healthy, dignified lives; and connected, safe and reliable transport.

The Leader also reiterated the Cabinet’s commitment to seek recognition of Cornwall as the United Kingdom’s fifth nation, a status intended to secure appropriate funding, representation and respect without seeking independence. A letter outlining the case for this recognition had been sent to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, and the Leader indicated that further plans would be forthcoming. In addition, the Leader used the opportunity to remind residents and visitors of the fragility of Cornwall’s natural environment, urging litter‑free behaviour and adherence to safety warnings on beaches and other open spaces.

Four public questions were tabled and answered. The first concerned subcontracting practices of the contractor Cormac, with the Transport Portfolio Holder explaining that subcontracting is standard industry practice, that contract terms are monitored for value for money, and that any surplus profit is used to offset the Cornwall Airport deficit, with 50 % of dividends returned to the Council. The second question related to an over‑charge on a bus travel cap; the Transport Portfolio Holder confirmed a goodwill refund, an ongoing investigation, and that the issue was the first reported since the multi‑operator system was introduced in July 2022. The third query asked about the withdrawal of Moody’s credit‑rating service; the Resources Portfolio Holder stated that the service was discontinued because it offered no cost benefit, and that the Council now borrows cheaper from the Public Works Loans Board. The fourth question addressed the Airport’s leasehold sales and the plan to sell freehold plots; the Economic Regeneration Portfolio Holder emphasized the importance of business rates and other income streams from the Airport estate and noted that a £0.27 million allocation from the Place and Green Growth Reserve would support investor engagement.

The financial briefing outlined how the Cabinet will develop the Council Plan and Medium‑Term Financial Plan for the next four years, with a budget to be presented on 24 February 2026. The Deputy Leader noted that the Chancellor’s Spending Review had increased overall funding for local government, largely through a 4.99 % council‑tax uplift, and that the Fair Funding Review 2.0 consultation had introduced a more favourable formula for Cornwall, giving weight to remoteness and day‑visitor numbers. While the new multi‑year settlement (2026/27‑2028/29) provides greater certainty, the Deputy Leader warned that transitional funding arrangements and rising demand for services, especially housing and social care, would keep overall resources tight.

Sector‑specific decisions were also taken. The Cabinet approved the continuation of full Council control over Cornwall Airport, rejected the previous “Project Corduroy”, and allocated £0.27 million to support marketing and investment activities, with an emphasis on integrating arm‑length companies into Council oversight. The SEND Commissioning Strategy and Strategic Plan for 2025‑2030 were adopted, focusing on early intervention, provision sufficiency and improved outcomes, while acknowledging funding pressures and rising demand. Finally, the Cabinet approved the publication of tenders for Care Home Development and Care Services Frameworks, as well as for Extra‑Care housing schemes, delegating authority to the Strategic Director for Safe and Caring Communities to award contracts. These measures aim to address the