Individual Decision Day - 15 July 2026

At a recent Cornwall Council Individual Decision Day, the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships approved the RISE model, a new integrated service to support adults with multiple and complex needs. The model combines prevention, reablement, and coordinated support across housing, mental health, and daily living skills, aiming to improve independence and reduce demand on crisis services. It is expected to support over 1,000 people annually, funded through Adult Social Care, the Better Care Fund, and homelessness grant funding. Discussion included a Member's request for more detailed risk information in the full business case, with officers confirming that thorough risk assessment would continue and that contract break clauses, including for poor performance, would be included.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Schools approved, in principle, the creation of a new primary school in Torpoint, involving the closure of Torpoint Nursery and Infant School on 31 August 2027. This is driven by falling pupil numbers, with forecasts showing a decline from approximately 500 primary-aged children in 2024 to around 350 by 2029/30. The new school will be established on the Carbeile site, which is more accessible and capable of expansion. The decision is subject to planning consent and necessary infrastructure works. A Member local to Torpoint welcomed the proposal and sought reassurance about future community use of the Torpoint Nursery and Infant School building, with the Portfolio Holder confirming ongoing discussions with the town council and community groups.

A new Cabinet Advisory Group on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing was established, chaired by the Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Schools. The group will bring together schools, health partners, families, and young people to develop an evidence-based approach. It will operate for one academic year, gathering evidence during the Autumn and Spring terms and reporting in the Summer term. Members supported including the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee in the group. The Portfolio Holder emphasised a focus on promoting resilience and positive activities, not just identifying challenges.

The Portfolio Holder also approved extending the Alternative Provision Pilot for a second academic year (2026/27). The pilot supports young people with Education, Health and Care Plans who require alternative provision, using a personalised, outcomes-focused approach delivered through community organisations. Early results have shown success in helping participants re-engage with education, training, or employment, with an independent evaluation underway to assess whether the model can be expanded. Officers confirmed the pilot is funded through the Dedicated Schools Grant and that reducing reliance on costly alternative provision is an additional benefit.