Individual Decision Day - 27 May 2026

The Cabinet approved the cessation of the traded Education Library Service (ELS) and the integration of school library support into the Public Library Service, following a report from the Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Localism and Planning. The decision was based on the ELS model’s financial unsustainability, attributed to falling pupil numbers, school budget pressures, increased competition, and structural changes in school governance. The new model will allow each primary school to borrow up to 200 items per year free of charge, linked to their nearest public library. During debate, a member raised concerns that only one-third of primary schools had been engaged in informal consultation. Officers confirmed this was considered a reasonable sample. The Portfolio Holder stated the change would protect children’s access to reading while removing pressure on council revenue budgets.

The Cabinet also approved the Pentewan Valley Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) to proceed to examination. The Plan, covering two electoral wards, had been submitted before new basic conditions requiring that NDPs do not result in less housing development than the development plan. The Portfolio Holder confirmed the Plan’s policies would not prevent development acceptable under the Local Plan. A housing developer had raised concerns about a local landscape designation potentially hindering housing on the edge of St Austell. The parish council and officers responded that the policy would not preclude development, and the Examiner would review the basic conditions. The decision allowed the NDP to move forward to the independent examination stage.

On housing, the Cabinet endorsed a hybrid procurement approach for Homelessness Supported Accommodation Services from 1 April 2027. The proposed model combines competitive tendering with direct award opportunities, structured by geographical area and service type. It is fully funded by the new Homelessness, Rough Sleeping and Domestic Abuse Grant. A member questioned why the proposed ‘Lot’ structure did not include South East or North Cornwall. Officers confirmed that supported accommodation currently exists in those areas and that the structure could be expanded if sufficient funding were secured. The approach aims to provide consistent, person-centred support and improve move-on pathways for residents experiencing homelessness.

The Cabinet approved an updated Commissioning Plan for Cornwall Housing Limited (CHL) and minor updates to the Housing Management Agreement. The Plan aligns with the recently approved Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan, which includes an additional £40 million over four years for the Decent Homes Standard and addressing damp and mould. Tenant engagement shaped the priorities, favouring a component-led approach. A member questioned the identical quarterly expenditure profiles shown for all contractors, calling them unrealistic. Officers clarified the figures were high-level budget profiles, not detailed time-phased plans, and that actual spending would vary based on delivery schedules. The updated Plan is intended to ensure strong governance and accountability for the investment programme.