Community Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee - 5 March 2026

The Community Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee formally approved the minutes of its 15 January 2026 meeting, with no declarations of interest recorded. The Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Localism and Planning briefed members on ongoing national planning policy revisions and preparatory work for the Local Plan, as well as the outcomes of a recent visitor‑economy sector summit. Discussions addressed cost pressures on the tourism sector, updated guidance for businesses, the need for an independent sector body to lobby government funding changes, and the high demand for local funding bids, for which a council‑wide briefing will be prepared. The Committee also noted the impact of ending strategic funding streams on communities and the seasonal dog‑restriction policy on beaches, and received updates on emergency‑management communications to town and parish councils.

The draft Cornwall Cultural Strategy, outlining a ten‑year vision for culture and creativity supported a forthcoming four‑year investment programme, was presented by the Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Localism and Planning. Members raised concerns about inconsistent terminology, the need to reflect Cornwall’s cultural identity while maintaining clarity for external funders, and the timing of the public consultation. Additional questions covered the forthcoming Cornish language strategy, support for freelancers, safeguards against institutional bias, and the wording “creating a cultural nation.” The Committee resolved to endorse the draft for public consultation, allowing a one‑week delay to incorporate agreed amendments, and recommended that the Cabinet approve the strategy after the consultation period.

The Head of Public Protection and Group Leader (Licensing) reported on the six historic Hackney Carriage licensing zones, explaining that the statutory framework permits either retention of the existing zones or their amalgamation into a single, irreversible licensing area. Members highlighted that government guidance is oriented toward urban contexts and may not suit Cornwall’s dispersed geography, and expressed concerns that a single‑zone model could disadvantage small rural operators, reduce coverage, and enable large operators to dominate the market. The consultation indicated that 72 % of respondents opposed de‑zoning. After considering the evidence, the Committee resolved to strongly recommend that the Cabinet retain the existing taxi zones, citing the lack of compelling reasons for change, the potential negative impact on businesses, and the irreversible nature of any zoning alteration.

In the area of community safety and public health, the Cabinet Member highlighted recent seasonal dog‑restriction decisions and emergency‑management communications encouraging local emergency plans. The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Public Health addressed queries on sewage capacity issues in Stithians, the status of outstanding works from previous investment periods, and the viability of fire and rescue stations, noting that these matters will be examined in upcoming strategic discussions and the Community Risk Management Plan. Members were informed of ongoing negotiations with government on national emergency‑funding applications following recent storms, the challenges of drinking‑water supply disruptions, and a planned visit to the Wendron Treatment Works to assess recent failures. The Committee recognised the continued recovery efforts after severe storms and praised the emergency response actions taken.