Cornwall Council - 16 September 2025

The meeting opened with a prayer led by the Reverend Danny Reed and the required declarations of pecuniary interest: Councillor Rowse for Agenda 8.3 (Working to End the Sewage Scandal) and Councillor Frank for Agenda 8.2 (Keep Cornwall Clean!). The Chairman reported a series of recent ceremonial duties and engagements on behalf of the Council. The Leader highlighted the first parliamentary committee hearing of the Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill and reiterated Council opposition to the current draft, arguing that it does not provide the powers or funding required without a combined‑authority mayoral model. He also outlined support for the Working to End the Sewage Scandal motion, noted the recent reversal of a plan to sell council‑owned car parks, and announced the introduction of livestreamed Cabinet Member Decision Days to increase transparency. The meeting minutes were formally approved and signed.

Five members of the public raised questions. Mr Kimber asked for an update on the Newquay Airport project; the Leader explained that the previous “Project Corduroy” was closed and that development will now be led by Cornwall Airport Ltd under the Council‑owned Corserv group, with an Airport Consultative Forum reinstated and over 20 expressions of interest under review. Mr Hurley inquired about the land‑review commissioned to protect quality land from solar farms; the Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Localism and Planning said initial findings will be presented to the Growth Board on 9 October and that any policy changes will be incorporated into the new Local Plan. Mr Brown asked whether the Council had an operational plan for a potential “Fifth Nation” status; the Leader responded that the Council is prepared to develop case‑by‑case operational plans for any devolved powers, that an economic impact assessment will be published, and that the cost of a referendum would be roughly £1.2 million. Mr Toms questioned the Council’s £4.5 million contribution to the Mid Cornwall Metro; the Transport Portfolio Holder explained that the project is funded by a £50 million Levelling‑Up grant, requires three years of council support to become commercially viable, and is part of a broader strategy to improve rail connectivity and sustainable travel across Cornwall.

Six motions were considered. A motion moved by Councillor Mustoe, anded by Councillor Donnithorne, was resolved to continue collaboration with Clean Cornwall and volunteer groups to refresh a Duchy‑wide litter strategy, emphasizing the environmental and financial benefits of reduced litter. A second motion, moved by Councillor Gripper and seconded by Councillor Candy, instructed the Leader to write to South West Water’s new chief executive, to engage the water company in the Cornwall Local Plan, to convene a water‑quality summit, and to appoint a Water Quality Champion, reflecting Council concern over sewage pollution. The Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee was asked to co‑opt a Healthwatch Cornwall representative as a non‑voting member, the Standards Committee’s annual report for 2024‑25 was approved, the Licensing Act policy was amended with additional wording and formatting changes, and Elizabeth Seale was appointed as a non‑voting Independent Lay Member of the Audit Committee for an initial four‑year term.

Portfolio holders provided further updates. The Resources Portfolio Holder noted that the Government settlement figures will be available in late 2025, with the 2026‑27 budget to be presented in