Cabinet - 13 February 2026

The meeting opened with the formal adoption of the previous Cabinet minutes, which were signed by the Chairman after a motion moved by Councillor Frost and seconded by Councillor Paynter. The Leader paid tribute to the late Councillor Kevin Towill, acknowledging his service on the Neighbourhoods Overview and Scrutiny Committee and observing a minute of silence. The Leader also reported on recent external engagements, including the Celtic Forum in Glasgow and the Tourism Summit convened by the Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Localism and Planning, highlighting the positive outlook for Cornwall’s visitor economy and the Council’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Two public questions were addressed. Dr M Lindsey asked how the Council would manage risks identified in the National Emergency Briefing and the Government’s biodiversity report; the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change responded that the Council’s Climate Change Risk Assessment and Local Nature Recovery Strategy already guide actions to protect natural systems, invest in nature‑based solutions, and embed climate risk into decision‑making. Mr P Kerridge in about the procurement of the Visit Cornwall website; the Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Localism and Planning explained that the contract was awarded as a direct award in December 2025 in line with Council procedures, and that the supplier’s work ensured the site remained functional and secure after Visit Cornwall entered administration.

The Deputy Leader presented the Quarter 3 Council Performance Report, noting an overall forecast overspend of £1.2 million despite a £12 million rise in adult and children’s social‑care costs. Savings were achieved through fee‑negotiation in children’s homes (£183 k saved, projected £656 k annual saving) and a Demand Management Strategy for home‑to‑school transport (£2.5 million underspend). The Medium‑Term Financial Plan is expected to deliver 80 % of its projected savings, with a shortfall of £9.7 million partially offset by alternative savings. Capital Programme spending for 2025/26 is forecast at £373.6 million, slightly below budget.

Key policy approvals were then taken. The Cabinet resolved to adopt the new Council Priorities Plan 2026‑2030, together with the Climate and Energy Action Plan and the Nature Recovery Action Plan. A confidential discussion confirmed that the Climate and Energy Plan had previously been subject to public engagement through the Local Area Energy Plan and that revisions to the carbon‑neutrality target were a matter of realism rather than a slowdown in activity. The Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration and Investment clarified that the Newquay‑to‑London Public Service Obligation (PSO) had not been cancelled; no compliant bids were received, and the Council will continue to pursue a commercial route to London City Airport while keeping the PSO option open for future consideration.

The Housing Revenue Account Business Plan was approved, committing an additional £40 million over four years for health‑and‑safety upgrades, repairs, empty‑home reduction, disabled adaptations, energy‑efficiency measures, and meeting the Decent Homes Standard. Rents are proposed to rise by CPI + 1 % (approximately 4.8 %) in 2026/27, subject to tenant consultation. To address a widening funding gap, the Deputy Leader proposed a 4.99 % Council Tax increase—including the Adult Social Care precept—to achieve a balanced budget and to fund £59 million of required savings for 2026/27. The package includes £37 million for children’s services, £43 million for adult social care, and £11 million for the capital programme, with a total of £154 million in savings over three years.

Finally, the Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration and Investment presented the 2026/27 Adult Skills Commissioning Plan, which was approved after a resolution delegating implementation to the Strategic Director for Sustainable Growth and Place