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Cornwall Council Debates Budget, Housing, Digital IDs & More

This week in Cornwall:

Council Budget Prioritisation Sparks Debate Amidst Service Pressures

The Budget Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss the draft council priorities plan and budget development, setting the stage for difficult decisions about resource allocation. With rising costs and increasing demand for services, the council faces the challenge of balancing competing needs while ensuring financial sustainability.

  • Draft Priorities Plan: The committee considered the draft council priorities plan, which outlines the proposed priorities and financial plans for the council.
  • Public Input: The agenda included a 15-minute period for members of the public to ask questions of the Committee Chairman, providing an opportunity for community input on budget priorities. Questions had to be submitted by 12 noon on Friday, 21 November 2025.
  • Financial Pressures: The council faces significant financial pressures, requiring careful consideration of priorities and resource allocation.

The budget decisions made in the coming months will have a direct impact on the services available to residents, particularly vulnerable groups who rely on council support.

Read more about the Budget Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Council Debates Housing, Digital IDs, and Equality Policies

Cornwall Council met to discuss a range of motions, including those related to housing, digital IDs, support for Northern Ireland veterans, and the council's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI/DEI) policy1. These debates highlight the diverse perspectives and priorities within the council, as well as the complex challenges facing the community.

  • Housing Crisis: Councillor Kate Ewert, Group Leader - Labour and Co-operative Group, proposed a motion to support the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), recognising the importance of council housing in addressing the housing crisis.
  • Digital ID Concerns: Councillor Connor Donnithorne, Group Leader - Conservative Group, proposed a motion opposing the introduction of mandatory digital IDs, citing concerns about privacy, surveillance, and potential discrimination.
  • EDI Policy Debate: Councillor Roger Tarrant, Deputy Group Leader - Reform UK, proposed a motion calling for the council to discontinue its mandatory EDI/DEI policy, arguing that it was divisive, discriminatory, and ineffective.

These debates reflect the ongoing tension between competing values and priorities, as the council seeks to address the needs of all residents.

Read more about the Cornwall Council meeting.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of the upcoming meetings and their main topics:

  1. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion/Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - these are frameworks used to promote fair treatment and equal opportunity for all. ↩

St Ives Bar Licence Approved, School Transport Appeals Decided

This week in Cornwall:

Licensing Decision for St Ives Bar Sparks Noise Concerns

The Licensing Act Sub Committee recently approved a variation to the premises licence for Mine Bar and Kitchen in St Ives, allowing extended hours and live music. While the decision supports a local business, it has raised concerns among nearby residents about potential noise disturbances.

  • Extended Hours: The licence variation allows for alcohol sales until 11 PM, with later hours on Bank Holiday Saturdays and New Year's Eve.
  • Live Music: The licence now includes live music, raising concerns about noise levels affecting residents in the vicinity.
  • Resident Objections: Residents John Bedding and Mark Fry voiced concerns about potential disturbances, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. Fry highlighted the potential for increased noise, urination, vomit, and rubbish in Dove Street due to late-night revellers.
  • Mitigation Measures: The sub-committee approved the application with additional conditions, including a complaints hotline, staff checks to ensure windows and doors are closed during regulated entertainment[^4], and noise restrictions.

The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing economic development with the need to protect the quality of life for residents.

Read more about the Licensing Act Sub Committee meeting.

Families Await Decisions on School Transport Appeals

The Appeals Committee met to discuss several school transport appeals, decisions that directly impact families relying on council assistance to get their children to school. The press and public were excluded from the meeting due to the sensitive nature of the information, leaving families anxious for a resolution.

Read more about the Appeals Committee meeting.

Focus on Families: Scrutiny Committee Examines Key Issues

The Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss several critical issues affecting children and families in Cornwall, including the progress of the SEND Strategic Plan, the Corporate Parenting Strategy, and the Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) Report.

  • SEND Strategic Plan: The committee received an update on the SEND Strategic Plan, which aims to improve the experiences and outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The plan addresses long waiting times for health services and seeks to improve the quality of education, health, and care plans.
  • Corporate Parenting Strategy: The committee discussed the updated Corporate Parenting Strategy, which sets out how the council will fulfil its responsibilities to Looked-after Children and Care Leavers, as defined in the Children and Social Work Act 2017. The strategy includes pledges to find the best available home, help children stay in touch with family and friends, and support their education.
  • EOTAS Report: The committee discussed the Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) Report 2025, which reviews the commissioning and monitoring of EOTAS provision in Cornwall following a safeguarding complaint. The report recommends clearer safeguarding policies, mandatory training for staff, and improved monitoring to strengthen safeguarding across EOTAS provision.

These discussions highlight the council's commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families in Cornwall.

Read more about the Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of the upcoming meetings and their main topics:

Winter Wonderland Licence Sparks Safety Concerns in Cornwall

This week in Cornwall:

Winter Wonderland Licensing Sparks Safeguarding Concerns

Cornwall Council's Licensing Act Sub Committee convened to consider a premises licence application for Cornwall Winter Wonderland, an event planned at Pool Market in Redruth. While the event promises festive cheer, concerns have been raised about public safety and the protection of children, particularly given the applicant's history.

  • Police Agreement: Devon and Cornwall Police initially objected but withdrew their concerns after the applicant agreed to stricter conditions, including a 500-person capacity limit, SIA-trained security, and a Challenge 25 policy1.
  • Public Objections: Sean Barlow, a member of the public, raised serious concerns about past events organized by the applicant, citing failures to check tickets, vendors selling expired drinks, inappropriate music, and lax enforcement of age restrictions.
  • Safeguarding Doubts: Barlow argued that despite the organizer having an event management plan and designated premises supervisor, a lack of Challenge 25 enforcement has been observed at previous events, raising questions about the organizer's commitment to protecting children.

The sub-committee ultimately granted the license, but the debate highlights the tension between supporting seasonal events and ensuring public safety, especially for vulnerable groups.

Read more about the Licensing Act Sub Committee meeting.

Council Grapples with Waste Strategy Amidst Booking System Debate

The Community Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed the Resources and Waste Strategy Delivery Plan, a roadmap for managing Cornwall's waste for the next two decades. A key point of contention was the proposal to formalize and expand the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) booking system, which has been trialled at seven sites since 2024.

  • Waste Hierarchy: The Resources and Waste Strategy is built around five key principles, including following the waste hierarchy1, meeting government targets, delivering value for money, reducing carbon emissions, and empowering communities.
  • Booking System Benefits: The council claims the booking system has reduced traffic congestion, improved recycling rates, enhanced customer satisfaction, and improved site management.
  • Development Wheel: The Cornwall Development and Decision Wheel for the HWRC Booking System showed that the booking system:

reduces queuing times and the number of cars on the road, leading to a 17% reduction in customer numbers and an increase in the average tonnage of waste brought per visit.

The debate over the booking system highlights the challenges of balancing efficiency and convenience with accessibility for all residents.

Read more about the Community Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Newquay Airport Development Strategy Aims for Financial Takeoff

The Sustainable Growth and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the progress of the Newquay Airport Development Strategy, a plan to transform the 650-acre Cornwall Airport Newquay (CAN) estate into a financially sustainable operation.

  • Land Development Plan: A key focus is the production of a Land Development Plan (LDP) for the entire Airport Estate, including the Aerohub Business Park (ABP).
  • Enterprise Zone Risk: A strategic risk has been identified pertaining to the inclusion of the Airport Estate as an existing Government Enterprise Zone2 (EZ) and its potential inclusion in a new wider Industrial Zone.

This has the potential to impact the Council's ability to retain Uniform Business Rate (UBR) revenue received from development works. This risk is being actively monitored and mitigated through internal review and stakeholder engagement.

The strategy aims to boost the local economy, but the council must navigate complex financial and regulatory challenges to ensure its success.

Read more about the Sustainable Growth and Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of the upcoming meetings and their main topics:

  1. Challenge 25 is a retailing strategy that encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID (a card bearing the PASS hologram, a photographic driving licence or a passport) if they intend to buy alcohol. ↩

  2. An Enterprise Zone is an area designated by the UK government to encourage economic growth and new jobs. They typically offer tax breaks, simplified planning regulations, and other incentives to attract businesses to the area. ↩

Cornwall School Transport Appeals & Airport Plans Scrutinised

This week in Cornwall:

School Transport Appeals Dominate Council Agenda, Leaving Families Anxious

The Appeals Committee is set to meet on Monday, November 17th, to consider a number of school transport appeals, decisions that directly impact families relying on council assistance to get their children to school. With the press and public excluded due to the sensitive nature of the information, the stakes are high for those awaiting a resolution.

Read more about the Appeals Committee meeting.

Newquay Airport Development Plans Under Scrutiny

The Sustainable Growth and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to discuss the progress of the CAN Development Programme at Newquay Airport on Tuesday, November 11th. The committee will review the strategic direction for the development of the Newquay Airport Estate, aiming to transform the 650-acre estate into a high-performing, financially sustainable and commercially driven operation .

  • Financial Sustainability: The Development Programme aims to deliver maximum value to the Cornish taxpayer.
  • Land Development Plan: The committee will be asked to provide recommendations, oversight and scrutiny of the CAN Development Options Appraisal and the production of the Land Development Plan1 (LDP) for the full Airport Estate, including the Aerohub Business Park2 (ABP).
  • Community Engagement: Consultation and wider community engagement has been identified as a priority for the development of the Land Development Plan for the entire Airport Estate, and the Land Development Plan for the Aerohub Business Park (ABP).

Read more about the Sustainable Growth and Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Bude Fire Station Expansion Sparks Debate Over Land Use

The Cornwall Harbours Board is set to discuss a proposal from the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) to acquire a small area of land at Bude Harbour to extend the current fire station. The proposal has raised questions about balancing community needs with potential precedents for land disposal.

  • Workplace Regulations: The fire service needs to extend the station to comply with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, following a report by His Majesty's Inspectorate, which identified that the station only has one toilet, washbasin and shower for a mixed-gender crew of 18 personnel.
  • Community Benefit: The report says that there is some concern that this disposal could set a precedent for further disposals, but as the land will be disposed to Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, who provide a vital role to the community, the harbour could also benefit from the disposal.
  • Financial Responsibility: Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service will cover all costs associated with the establishment of the compound.

Read more about the Cornwall Harbours Board meeting.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of the upcoming meetings and their main topics:

  1. A Land Development Plan is a long-term plan for the use of land in a particular area. ↩

  2. The Aerohub Business Park is a business park located next to Newquay Airport. ↩

Cornwall Farm Sales Face Scrutiny; Licensing Debates

This week in Cornwall:

Council Farm Sales Face Scrutiny Amid Financial Strain

Cornwall Council's plan to sell off several farm properties is under the microscope, with the Individual Decision Days meeting having recently discussed the matter. The move has sparked concerns about the council's long-term strategy for its Farms Estate and the impact of financial pressures on its assets.

  • Properties Under Consideration: Farms like Lower Trebrown Farmhouse, Resparveth (west) Farmhouse, and Coosewartha Farm are among those being eyed for disposal.
  • Council's Rationale: The council maintains the sales align with its Farms Strategy, which anticipates a reduction in the number of Fully Equipped Holdings (FEH) while maintaining the overall acreage of the estate.
  • Financial Realities: Reports highlight the financial pressures faced by the council, necessitating action to maintain the positive revenue position of the estate and operate within the available capital budget.

Critics fear that selling off these farms could hurt local food production and rural livelihoods, while supporters argue it will allow the council to focus resources on more strategic priorities.

Read more about the Individual Decision Days meeting.

Licensing Decisions Stir Debate Over Community Well-being

The Licensing Act Sub Committee recently reviewed applications for new premises licences for Chings Alley Beer and Wine Cellar in Launceston and Nature's Window Brewery in Fowey. These decisions have ignited debate about balancing support for local businesses with the well-being of residents.

  • Launceston Concerns: Residents near Chings Alley Beer and Wine Cellar worry about increased crime, noise, and public nuisance due to the narrow alleyway and residential proximity.
  • Fowey Objections: Objections to Nature's Window Brewery include concerns about parking, restricted access to the lifeboat station, and water safety.
  • Licensing Act 2003: The sub-committee must consider the licensing objectives1, including the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The decisions will test the balance between supporting local businesses and protecting the well-being of residents.

Read more about the Licensing Act Sub Committee meeting.

Standards Committee Examines Complaints and Ethical Conduct

The Standards Committee met to discuss organisational and ethical complaints, and to review the annual letter from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO). The meeting shed light on the types of complaints the council receives and how it handles them.

  • Organisational Complaints: The committee reviewed trends relating to complaints in Quarter 1 of 2025-26, including those made to the LGSCO and those handled internally.
  • Ethical Standards Complaints: The committee received the Ethical Standards Complaints Report for Quarter 2 of 2025-26, which included complaints against both Cornwall Councillors and town and parish councillors.
  • LGSCO Review: The committee reviewed the LGSCO Annual Review Letter for 2024-25, which provided feedback on the council's handling of complaints.

The committee's work is essential for ensuring accountability and maintaining public trust in the council.

Read more about the Standards Committee meeting.

Planning Committee Reviews Application Amidst Conservation Concerns

The East Sub-Area Planning Committee considered a planning application for alterations to Polruan Stores in Fowey. The application was ultimately refused due to concerns about overlooking and harm to neighbour amenity.

  • Conservation Area: The site is within the Polruan Conservation Area and the Cornwall National Landscape (formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), where great weight must be given to the conservation and enhancement of both the designated historic and natural landscape under local and national policy.
  • Neighbour Amenity: The proposed rear terrace would allow elevated views into neighbouring windows and gardens, causing significant privacy loss.
  • Committee Decision: The committee concluded that the harm incurred to neighbour amenity was significant and was not outweighed by the minor positive benefits of the shop improvements, nor the private benefits that the proposed works provide to the dwelling above.

The decision highlights the challenges of balancing development with the need to protect the environment and the amenity of residents.

Read more about the East Sub-Area Planning Committee meeting.

Pensions Committee Discusses Fund Performance and Governance

The Pensions Committee met to discuss the Cornwall Pension Fund's financial statements, annual report, and governance. The committee's work is essential for ensuring the long-term financial security of council employees.

  • Financial Statements: The committee reviewed the Cornwall Pension Fund's financial statements for 2024/25, which showed that the value of the fund increased by £17.864 million during the year.
  • Annual Report: The committee approved the Pension Fund Annual Report 2024-25, and the responsible investment section of the report.
  • Governance Update: The committee discussed a governance update, including a Pension Board update, payment of contributions, a review of the risk register, and a review of the fund's attendance and training record.

The committee's work is essential for ensuring the long-term financial security of council employees.

Read more about the Pensions Committee meeting.

Urgent Sub Committee Discusses Hackney Carriage Licence

The Urgent Driver/Operator/Vehicle Sub Committee met to discuss a review of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence. The public and press were excluded from the meeting due to the discussion of information relating to an individual. No video was provided.

Read more about the Urgent Driver/Operator/Vehicle Sub Committee meeting.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of the upcoming meetings and their main topics:

  1. The licensing objectives are set out in the Licensing Act 2003 and are the foundation of the licensing system. ↩

Licensing Act Committee CANCELLED

Licensing Act Committee - Thursday, 4th December, 2025 10.00 am

This meeting has been cancelled.

December 04, 2025
Licensing Act Sub Committee

Licensing Act Sub Committee - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Act Sub Committee of Cornwall Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025. The meeting will be held online and is scheduled to consider an application to vary a premises licence. Councillor Brian Clemens, Councillor Julie Cunningham and Councillor Damon Dennis are scheduled to attend the meeting.

December 03, 2025
Cornwall Pension Fund Local Pension Board

Cornwall Pension Fund Local Pension Board - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 10.30 am

The Cornwall Pension Fund Local Pension Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 3 December 2025 at County Hall, Truro. The meeting will cover a benefits team update, a governance update, and items from the Pension Fund Committee meetings held in September and October. Some items, including items from the Pension Fund Committee meetings, may be discussed in exclusion of the press and public.

December 03, 2025
Individual Decision Days

Individual Decision Day - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 10.00 am

The Individual Decision Days of Cornwall Council are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 3 December 2025. During the meeting, reports regarding a new lease for Cornwall Airport Newquay, the Mid Cornwall Metro project, and the Football Foundation Truro Sports Hub will be presented. Also to be discussed are the adoption of the Torpoint and Redruth Neighbourhood Development Plans, the disposal of modular units, and the acquisition of property for a children's home.

December 03, 2025
Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education

Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 2.00 pm

The Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) of Cornwall Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 3 December 2025. The agenda includes a budget report, a presentation on the approved syllabus, and a discussion of the SACRE improvement plan. The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed.

December 03, 2025
Corporate Finance and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Corporate Finance and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025 10.00 am

The Corporate Finance and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee are scheduled to meet to discuss the council's capital programme, review their work programme, and scrutinise the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan and the Council Performance Report for the second quarter of 2025/26. The meeting will also provide an opportunity for questions from both the public and committee members.

December 02, 2025
Appeals Committee

Appeals Committee - Monday, 1st December, 2025 10.00 am

The Cornwall Council Appeals Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 1 December 2025 in the Trelawny Room, County Hall, Truro. The main item on the agenda is a series of appeals regarding school transport assistance. The committee will also be asked to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the consideration of these appeals.

December 01, 2025
Budget Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Budget Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 26th November, 2025 10.00 am

The Budget Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Cornwall Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025, to discuss the draft council priorities plan and budget development. The meeting will also include an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions of the Committee Chairman.

November 26, 2025
Licensing Act Sub Committee CANCELLED

Licensing Act Sub Committee - Wednesday, 26th November, 2025 10.00 am

This meeting has been cancelled.

November 26, 2025
Cornwall Council

Cornwall Council - Tuesday, 25th November, 2025 10.30 am

The Cornwall Council was scheduled to meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025. The agenda included questions from the public, motions, allocation of seats, a review of members' allowances, recommendations from various committees, and questions from members to members of the cabinet.

November 25, 2025
Miscellaneous Licensing Committee

Miscellaneous Licensing Committee - Friday, 5th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 05, 2025
Chief Officers Employment Committee

Chief Officers Employment Committee - Friday, 5th December, 2025 9.00 am

December 05, 2025
Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee

Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee - Friday, 5th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 05, 2025
West Sub-Area Planning Committee CANCELLED

West Sub-Area Planning Committee - Monday, 8th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 08, 2025
Licensing Act Sub Committee CANCELLED

Licensing Act Sub Committee - Wednesday, 10th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 10, 2025
Pensions Committee

Pensions Committee - Wednesday, 10th December, 2025 10.30 am

December 10, 2025
Cornwall Growth Board

Cornwall Growth Board - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 2.00 pm

December 11, 2025
Cornwall Schools Forum

Cornwall Schools Forum - Friday, 12th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 12, 2025
Appeals Committee CANCELLED

Appeals Committee - Monday, 15th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 15, 2025
Central Sub-Area Planning Committee CANCELLED

Central Sub-Area Planning Committee - Monday, 15th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 15, 2025