Community Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee - 4 June 2026

At its recent meeting, the Community Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee began with procedural matters, including the re-election of Councillor A Mitchell as Chairman and Councillor Mustoe as Vice-Chairman. The minutes from the previous meeting on 5 March 2026 were approved. No public questions had been submitted for consideration.

The Committee received a report from the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change. Key discussions centered on concerns regarding an increase in fly-tipping and reports of rat activity. While enforcement was noted as falling under a different portfolio, the Cabinet Member acknowledged fly-tipping as a significant environmental and public health issue, with large-scale waste crime primarily handled by the Environment Agency and Police. Members discussed the household waste recycling centre booking system, with the Cabinet Member stating it had reduced queues and improved site management, while reiterating that inconvenience should not justify illegal waste disposal. The value of publicising successful prosecutions as a deterrent was highlighted. Further debate covered the collection of soft plastics and cartons, outcomes from the Litter Network Summit, commercial waste regulation, the transfer of responsibility for closed churchyards to local authorities, and large-scale illegal waste sites.

The Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health then presented her report. The Committee was informed of an upcoming all-member briefing on responsibilities, enforcement activity, and current trends. It was noted that while incidents had increased over time, there was no evidence linking this to the booking system. Additional enforcement measures were detailed, including a dedicated enforcement officer, expanded surveillance, and a public awareness campaign. An update was provided on refugee and asylum support, with an all-member briefing to be scheduled. Regarding fire service estates, it was confirmed that work was progressing and a further written update on milestones would be provided. Concerns were raised regarding South West Water infrastructure and network resilience.

The Committee approved its proposed Work Programme for the forthcoming year, agreeing it would be a living document. Members delegated authority to the Chairman to agree any amendments arising during the year. A Waste Collection Options Task and Finish Group was established to conduct an evidence-based review of future waste collection services, with members expressing interest in joining. The Committee also scheduled future consideration of the Safer Cornwall Partnership Plan, inviting relevant officers and Devon and Cornwall Police representatives to attend.

Finally, the Committee considered the draft Cornish Language Strategy 2026-2036, presented by the Cabinet Member for Tourism, Localism and Planning. The strategy, currently subject to public consultation, sets out a vision for Cornish to become a thriving "forever language." Discussion covered the strategy's four themes of Learning, Community and Culture, Status, and Corpus, along with existing engagement such as the Go Cornish programme in 30 schools. While some members questioned the evidence base and proportionality of investment, the Cabinet Member highlighted UNESCO recognition of Cornish as an endangered language and evidence of public engagement, including significant use of the Cornish dictionary service and attendance at cultural events.