Community Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee - 10 September 2026

The Community Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee approved the minutes of its previous meeting with a minor timing correction. No declarations of interest or public questions were received. The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Public Health reported on an exceptionally busy summer period involving significant incidents including wildfires. During discussion, members raised concerns about disposable barbecues as a wildfire risk and were advised that preliminary work was underway to explore a potential Public Spaces Protection Order, which would require stakeholder consultation. Members supported measures to reduce wildfire risk and requested progress reports. The strong community response from businesses, farmers, volunteers and residents during recent wildfire incidents was commended.

The committee received a presentation on the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service People, Culture and Leadership Programme, outlining progress on recruitment, training, conduct processes and staff engagement. Officers emphasised cultural change centred on openness and professional standards, with future work focusing on workforce planning and staff wellbeing. Members sought reassurance about how behavioural standards would be applied in practice, and officers clarified the distinction between minor mistakes, inappropriate conduct and serious misconduct, stressing an educational rather than punitive approach. The committee resolved to fulfil its statutory scrutiny role by giving due regard to the programme and commended the culture of openness and teamwork demonstrated, particularly during the summer period.

The committee considered the draft revised Clean Air for Cornwall Strategy, noting the revocation of six Air Quality Management Areas and the introduction of new priorities including PM2.5, indoor air quality and agricultural emissions. Officers clarified that legal compliance did not necessarily equate to optimal air quality and that the strategy aimed to drive continuous improvements beyond statutory limits. Members discussed agricultural emissions, the relationship between transport provision and air quality in rural communities, and the importance of community engagement in developing active travel schemes. It was resolved that the committee consider the draft strategy and provide comments.

A report on violence against women and girls was presented, outlining the scale of the challenge in Cornwall, available support services and ongoing preventative work. Members noted the prevalence of abuse and expressed concern. Officers advised that crisis and high-risk support was available without waiting lists, while waiting times for longer-term therapy ranged between three and six months. The committee welcomed partnership initiatives and communications campaigns. It was resolved that the committee review the overview report and provide comments back to the Safer Cornwall Partnership, and that face-to-face bystander training be requested for all council members.

An agenda item regarding the community safety partnership plan was deferred to a future committee meeting.