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Cornwall's budget: tough choices ahead

This week in Cornwall:

Budget Battles: Council Faces Tough Choices on Funding and Services

Cornwall Council's Budget Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, to grapple with the council's financial future. The core of their discussion revolved around the draft Council Financial Plans for 2026-2030 and the budget for 2026/27. This isn't just about numbers; it's about how services will be delivered and who will be most affected.

The committee reviewed a draft plan that aims to guide the council's priorities over the next four years. These priorities include building strong, safe communities with more affordable housing, fostering a clean and green Cornwall, creating a resilient economy, supporting families and children, enabling healthy and dignified lives, and improving transport links.

However, the council is facing significant financial headwinds. A key concern is the government's Local Government Finance Policy Statement, which is expected to reduce Cornwall's funding. The removal of remoteness from funding formulae is a particular worry, potentially leaving the council with less money to serve its residents.

  • What's at stake: The level and quality of public services, from housing and schools to environmental protection and transport. Decisions made now will shape the council's ability to support its most vulnerable residents.
  • Who is affected: Every resident of Cornwall, but particularly those who rely most heavily on council services, such as families with young children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

Concerns were also raised about the potential introduction of a tourism tax, a move that could impact local businesses and the cost of holidays in Cornwall. The committee acknowledged the frustration over funding changes and the need to lobby for fairer financial support.

The committee was also scheduled to review previous minutes and allow for public questions, ensuring some level of transparency and accountability in the budget-setting process.

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

Council Procedures and Officer Designations Under Review

The Cornwall Council meeting on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, addressed several procedural matters and key appointments that underpin how the council operates.

A significant item was the designation of the Council's Section 151 Officer, also known as the Chief Financial Officer. This is a statutory role, meaning it's legally required, and it carries immense responsibility for ensuring the council's financial decisions are lawful and prudent. The meeting considered the designation of Annabel Scholes to this critical role, in addition to her existing position as Chief Operating Officer. This appointment is vital for maintaining financial integrity and public trust.

The Constitution and Governance Committee also put forward recommendations for changes to council procedures. One key proposal was to replace the term Chairman with Chair throughout council documents. This move towards gender-neutral language aligns with the council's commitment to equality and diversity under the Public Sector Equality Duty. While seemingly a small change, it reflects a broader effort to make the council more inclusive.

Another procedural recommendation aimed to improve how motions are handled. The proposed changes to Council Procedure Rule 12 seek to allow more motions to be debated at full council meetings. This could give residents' concerns and councillors' ideas a greater platform, although measures are also being put in place to manage the council's agenda effectively.

The council also considered motions on important issues:

  • Trial by Jury: A motion to affirm the council's support for the right to trial by jury, urging the government to safeguard this fundamental aspect of the justice system.
  • Support for Retail, Hospitality, and Leisure Businesses: A motion calling for the council to lobby the government to reverse measures that could negatively impact these vital sectors in Cornwall.
  • NHS Dentistry: A motion to seek fairer funding for dental initiatives in Cornwall, including support for a proposed NHS dental teaching clinic pilot in Wadebridge.

These discussions highlight the council's role in advocating for its residents and businesses on both local and national stages.

Read more about the Cornwall Council meeting.

Licensing Reviews: Ensuring Public Safety and Responsible Operations

Several sub-committees met to review licences, focusing on ensuring public safety and responsible operations across various sectors.

The Urgent Driver/Operator/Vehicle Sub Committee met on Thursday, 22 January 2026, to review the licences of a private hire operator and two individual drivers. These reviews are crucial for maintaining standards in the taxi and private hire industry, directly impacting passenger safety. Discussions were held in private due to the sensitive nature of the information concerning individuals.

Similarly, the Miscellaneous Licensing Committee met on Friday, 23 January 2026, to consider applications and reviews for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle licences. These meetings are vital for ensuring that drivers and vehicles meet the required safety and suitability standards. The committee reviewed applications for new driver licences and renewals, as well as reviews of existing licences. For example, one applicant, WD215, had five convictions between 2018 and 2020, and the committee had to determine if they were a fit and proper person to hold a licence. Decisions in these cases directly affect the safety of those using taxi and private hire services.

  • What's at stake: The safety and reliability of public transport services, and the integrity of licensed trades.
  • Who is affected: Passengers using taxis and private hire vehicles, and individuals and businesses operating within these licensed sectors.

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

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

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

Tamar Bridge tolls may rise. Bus services, airport future.

This week in Cornwall:

Tamar Bridge Tolls: A Potential Price Hike on the Horizon?

The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee met on Monday 12 January 2026 to discuss the updated 2026-27 revenue budget and capital programme. The core issue at hand is the potential increase of the monthly TAG account fee, which has remained at 80p since April 2014. This seemingly small fee could have a significant impact on regular users of the bridge and ferry.

The committee reviewed a report highlighting a concerning deterioration in the projected reserve position. If the TAG account fee stays at 80p, reserves are forecast to be entirely depleted by March 2030, moving away from the £3 million considered prudent. This could mean that both parent authorities, Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council, would be required to provide revenue funding to cover deficits.

Three options were presented:

  • Option 1: Retain the current 80p fee, leading to a deficit by 2029/30.
  • Option 2: Increase the fee to £2.00 per month from July 2026.
  • Option 3: Increase the fee to £1.60 per month from July 2026.

The report recommended a consultation and engagement exercise on increasing the fee, with a proposed budget of £10,000. The financial implications of maintaining the current fee are estimated to be a negative effect on income and reserves of £690,000 annually.

  • What's at stake: The cost of using the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry for thousands of commuters and businesses. A significant increase in the TAG account fee could impact household budgets and operational costs for local companies.
  • Who is affected: Regular users of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry, particularly those with TAG accounts.

Read more about the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee meeting.

Local Bus Services and Airport Futures: Key Decisions Loom

The Sustainable Growth and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to receive crucial updates from Cabinet Members on transport, housing, and economic regeneration. The discussions touched upon the future of local bus services and the strategic direction for Newquay Airport.

Local Bus Services: An update on the Franchising and Bus Reform Pilot Study was scheduled, with a focus on governance and contract arrangements for local bus services from 2028. Cornwall's Local Transport Consolidated Funding settlement for 2026/27 to 2029/30 totals over £284 million, highlighting the significant investment in transport infrastructure.

Newquay Airport: A report outlined a strategic shift for Cornwall Airport, moving from maintaining operations under financial constraints to unlocking the commercial and strategic potential of the estate. This aims to reduce the airport's financial burden on the council while generating long-term economic value. Discussions were expected to cover funding for a development plan and proposals from interested companies.

Other Key Areas: The committee also received updates on:

  • Environment and Climate Change: Including the adoption of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Marine Nature Recovery Framework and progress on the Climate Change action plan.
  • Housing: With a focus on the disposal of SoloHaus units, the Council Homes - HRA Business Plan, and the ambition to utilise surplus council land for new homes.

  • Economic Regeneration: Highlighting the £30 million Kernow Industrial Growth Fund and a £70 million Cornwall Evergreen Fund to support the Cornwall Good Growth Plan.

  • What's at stake: The accessibility and affordability of public transport, the future economic viability of Newquay Airport, and the council's commitment to environmental and housing goals.

  • Who is affected: All residents who rely on public transport, businesses operating in the region, and those seeking housing.

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

St Agnes Convenience Store Decision Deferred Again

The Central Sub-Area Planning Committee met on Monday 12 January 2026, with a key item being the application for a community convenience store in St Agnes. This application, for Land South West of Penwinnick Farm, Penwinnick Road, had been deferred from a previous meeting to allow for further investigation into highway works and pedestrian refuge dimensions.

While the Highways Officer confirmed the acceptability of the pedestrian refuge and road dimensions, and concerns about parking and drainage were addressed, the application still faced objections from the Electoral Division Member, St Agnes Parish Council, and objectors. Their primary concerns revolved around the potential detrimental effect on the high street, leading to shop closures, insufficient parking, and the development being inappropriate to the character of the area.

Despite the report recommending approval subject to conditions and a Section 106 Agreement for Biodiversity Net Gain, the committee's decision on this matter has been noted as pending further information or a future meeting.

  • What's at stake: The impact on existing local businesses in St Agnes, the availability of local amenities, and the character of the village.
  • Who is affected: Residents of St Agnes, local business owners, and potential employees of the new store.

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

Other Matters

  • The Community Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 15 January 2026 to discuss the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service's Community Risk Management Plan, the Safer Cornwall Partnership Plan, and the renewal of the Public Spaces Protection Order concerning dogs on beaches. The committee also received updates from Cabinet Members. Read more about the Community Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.
  • The Audit Committee met on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to review the council's annual governance statement, statement of accounts, and the external auditor's findings for the 2024-25 financial year. They also considered the effectiveness of their own operations and reviewed the financial regulatory framework. Read more about the Audit Committee meeting.
  • The Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 14 January 2026 to discuss the Best Start in Life agenda, the Cornwall Education Partnership Strategy, and Key Stage 2 education attainment. They also reviewed oral health promotion for children and young people and the framework for inspecting local authority children's services. Read more about the Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.
  • The Cornwall Harbours Board met on Thursday 15 January 2026 to review maritime activity across the county's harbours and examine the budget performance for April to November 2025. Read more about the Cornwall Harbours Board meeting.
  • The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board met on Friday 16 January 2026 to discuss the refresh of the Safer Cornwall Plan, the adoption of a Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and proposals for updated terms of reference for the Board. Read more about the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

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

Adult safety, schools funding, council changes

This week in Cornwall:

Safeguarding Adults and Sexual Health Services Under Scrutiny

The Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 7th January 2026, to examine crucial services impacting vulnerable residents. A key focus was the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024-20251. This report details the board's efforts to protect adults at risk of abuse or neglect. Decisions made here directly affect the safety and well-being of those who may be unable to protect themselves.

The committee also delved into Sexual and Reproductive Health Commissioning. This discussion is vital for ensuring access to essential services like contraception and STI testing, particularly for young people and those in vulnerable situations. Ensuring these services are effectively commissioned means they are available, accessible, and meet the needs of the community.

The committee also reviewed progress on Research in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and the work of the Commercial Research Delivery Centre, alongside discussions on Peninsula Soft Tissue Sarcoma Services. These topics, while perhaps less immediately visible, are critical for the long-term health and medical advancements within the region.

  • What's at stake: Ensuring adults are protected from harm and that essential sexual health services are readily available.
  • Who is affected: Vulnerable adults, young people, and anyone requiring access to sexual health services.

Read more about the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Council Procedures and Inclusivity Under Review

The Constitution and Governance Committee met on Tuesday, 6th January 2026, to refine how the council operates and ensure it is inclusive. A significant recommendation was to replace the term Chairman with Chair throughout council documents. This change, aimed at promoting equality and diversity, aligns with the council's commitments under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

The committee also recommended amendments to Council Procedure Rule 12, concerning motions on notice. These changes aim to allow for more motions to be debated, ensuring that resident concerns and ideas have a greater chance of being heard, while still managing the council's agenda effectively. Motions relating to executive functions will now be advisory, meaning they will inform, rather than bind, Cabinet decisions, with a requirement for a report back within six months. This provides a clearer pathway for holding the executive to account.

Furthermore, the committee recommended that elected members receive better guidance on mobile phone usage and that information about obtaining a second phone or SIM card for accessibility needs be more widely publicised. This addresses practical support for councillors in their roles, potentially improving their ability to serve constituents.

  • What's at stake: Ensuring the council operates efficiently, inclusively, and that residents' voices can be heard through the motions process.
  • Who is affected: All residents who engage with the council, and councillors themselves.

Read more about the Constitution and Governance Committee meeting.

Schools Funding Formula and Pupil Growth Under Discussion

The Cornwall Schools Forum met on Friday, 9th January 2026, to tackle the complex issue of school funding for the upcoming academic year. A key discussion point was the pupil growth formula for 2026/27. With a reduced budget, the forum considered options for funding growth, balancing the need to support expanding schools with the reality of limited resources. This directly impacts the resources available to educate children in growing communities.

The forum also debated the wider schools funding formula for 2026/27. This formula dictates how money is allocated to individual schools. Decisions made here can mean the difference between a school being able to maintain its current staffing levels and resources, or facing cuts that could impact class sizes and educational programmes. The forum considered options for capping school budgets and the Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG), which protects schools from drastic year-on-year funding reductions.

Additionally, the forum discussed the de-delegation of budgets for maintained schools, covering areas like staff costs, supply cover, and funds for schools in financial difficulty. These decisions have a direct impact on the operational budgets of many local schools.

  • What's at stake: Ensuring schools have adequate funding to provide quality education for all children, especially in the face of budget constraints and rising costs.
  • Who is affected: Every child in Cornwall's school system, their parents, teachers, and school staff.

Read more about the Cornwall Schools Forum meeting.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

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

  1. Safeguarding Adults Boards are a statutory requirement under the Care Act 2014. They bring together key agencies to prevent abuse and neglect and ensure that adults at risk receive the support they need. ↩

Falmouth alcohol sale concerns, Bude bar scrutiny, budget decisions

This week in Cornwall:

Street Trading Consent Sparks Resident Concerns in Falmouth

The Street Trading Sub Committee convened to discuss an application from Mr Michael Parratt, trading as Freebird Brewing@Tipsy Trailer Adventures Ltd, for a street trading consent to sell wine from a horse box trailer on Queen Mary Road, Falmouth. The application faced objections from residents and Falmouth Town Council, raising concerns about public nuisance, obstruction of the pavement, and the potential for setting an undesirable precedent for alcohol consumption in the area.

  • Resident Opposition: Objectors, including the Falmouth Bay Residents Association, Vicki Ferguson, and Tanji Cork, cited concerns about the suitability of a residential road for selling alcohol, potential disturbances to residents, and the proximity of Queen Mary Gardens, where alcohol is not permitted.
  • Town Council Recommendation: Falmouth Town Council recommended refusal due to public nuisance in terms of obstruction of the pavement and selling alcohol for consumption along the seafront.
  • Applicant Awareness: The Public Reports Pack states that Mr Parratt is aware that he cannot legally sell alcohol without a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) or Premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003.

The sub-committee had the option to approve, defer, refuse, or approve the application with amendments. The decision will have implications for residents' quality of life and the regulation of street trading in Falmouth. Read more about the Street Trading Sub Committee meeting.

Late-Night License for Bude Bar Faces Police Scrutiny

The Licensing Act Sub Committee met to consider an application from Upstairs Ltd to vary the premises licence for Upstairs Social, a bar and food public house in Bude. The application seeks to vary the licence by removing and adding conditions, and changing the plan. Devon and Cornwall Police raised concerns regarding the application and suggested additional conditions to promote the licensing objectives.

  • Police Concerns: The police representation states that Devon and Cornwall Police have made considerable efforts to assist the applicant in preparing an appropriate operating schedule for the premises, but despite these efforts the applicant has failed to incorporate the recommendations provided within the variation application.
  • Proposed Conditions: The applicant is proposing to add several new conditions to the premises licence, focusing on general responsible management, prevention of crime and disorder, CCTV operation, drugs policy, drink spiking prevention, and safeguarding.
  • Police Recommendations: The police suggest a number of additional conditions, including training for staff on alcohol sales legality and procedure, maintaining an incident log, installing CCTV, implementing a drugs policy, promoting the Ask for Angela safeguarding initiative, and a Challenge 25 policy.

The sub-committee's decision will impact the operation of the bar and the safety and well-being of the community in Bude. Read more about the Licensing Act Sub Committee meeting.

Council Cabinet to Decide on Key Strategies and Budget

The Cabinet convened to discuss a range of critical issues, including the council's draft budget, council homes, the Langarth Garden Village, the Resources and Waste strategy, the Marine Nature Recovery Framework, the Carers Strategy, the Corporate Parenting Strategy and the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. These decisions will shape the future of Cornwall and impact the lives of residents across the region.

  • Draft Budget Proposals: The Cabinet considered the draft budget proposals for the next three financial years, setting the stage for difficult decisions about resource allocation.
  • Council Homes Update: The Cabinet discussed an update on council homes and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan, including the medium-term financial budget and rent setting for 2026/7. The report pack indicates that officers are recommending that rent be increased by the maximum allowable amount, which is currently the consumer price index + 1%.
  • Langarth Garden Village: The Cabinet considered a report on the way forward for Langarth Garden Village, a planned community to the west of Truro.
  • Resources and Waste Strategy Delivery Plan: The Cabinet considered the Resources and Waste Strategy Delivery Plan, following the adoption of the Resources and Waste Strategy 2025–2045 in March 2025.
  • Marine Nature Recovery Framework: The Cabinet considered the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Marine Nature Recovery Framework (MNRF).
  • Carers Strategy and Business Case: The Cabinet considered the Carers Strategy and Business Case, aiming to ensure that Cornwall continues to understand and respond to the voices of carers.
  • Corporate Parenting Strategy: The Cabinet considered the Corporate Parenting Strategy, outlining how the council will support children in care and care leavers.
  • UN Convention on the Rights of a Child: The Cabinet considered the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), committing to uphold its principles.

The decisions made by the Cabinet will have far-reaching consequences for the economy, environment, and social well-being of Cornwall. Read more about the Cabinet meeting.

Planning Committee to Decide on Waste Facility, Care Home, and Extra Care Apartments

The Strategic Planning Committee is scheduled to meet to consider planning applications for a wood and waste recycling facility near Camborne, a care home in Truro, and extra care apartments in Bodmin. These decisions will shape the landscape of Cornwall and impact the lives of residents in these communities.

  • Wood and Waste Recycling Facility: The committee is scheduled to consider an application for a wood, composting and green waste processing and recycling facility on land north of Roseworthy Hill near Camborne.
  • Mountford House Care Home: The committee is scheduled to consider an application for the redevelopment of the Mountford House Care Home site on Cyril Road in Truro to provide a new care home.
  • Extra Care Apartments: The committee is scheduled to consider an outline planning application for the proposed development of 71 extra care apartments on land south of Whitestone Road in Bodmin.

The committee will also be asked to note a list of appeals that have been lodged and decisions that have been made. Read more about the Strategic Planning Committee meeting.

Fisheries Authority to Discuss Budget and Fisheries Management

The Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) is scheduled to meet to discuss budget monitoring, the revenue budget for 2026-27, and a report from the IFCA officers. The meeting will include a review of financial performance, a proposal for the upcoming year's budget, and updates on fisheries management, enforcement, and research activities.

  • Revenue Budget 2026-27: The committee will be asked to consider the proposed revenue budget for the financial year 2026/27. The CIFCA Revenue Budget 2026-27 - Report recommends a levy on Cornwall Council of £1,599,770, which is an increase of £47,000 from 2025/26.
  • Budget Monitoring Report: The Budget Monitoring Report April 2025 to October 2025 - Report details the financial performance of the Cornwall IFCA in the 2025-26 financial year against the approved budget.
  • Cornwall IFCA Officers' Report: The Cornwall IFCA Officers Report - Report includes updates from the enforcement and research teams, including fisheries management plans, the Voluntary Marine Nature Recovery Framework, and general fishing matters.

The decisions made by the IFCA will have a direct impact on the sustainability of fisheries and the marine environment in Cornwall. Read more about the Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority meeting.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

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

Cornwall to Chart International Strategy & Discuss School Funding

This week in Cornwall:

Cornwall Growth Board to Chart International Strategy and Defence Sector Role

The Cornwall Growth Board met to discuss an international strategy, the Global Cornish diaspora project, and Cornwall's contribution to the defence sector. The board considered reports and recommendations aimed at positioning Cornwall as an internationally connected nation and a key player in the UK's defence capabilities.

  • International Strategy: The board considered setting up a working group to develop an international strategy to complement the Good Growth Plan1 and inward investment priorities. The aim is to position Cornwall as a vibrant, internationally connected nation within the UK, potentially through collaboration with other Celtic nations.
  • Global Cornish Project: The board considered endorsing Global Cornish as the Cornwall Diaspora Strategy, and agreeing to develop an options paper to set out the business case and model for Global Cornish to potentially be set up as an entity external to Cornwall Council.
  • Defence Sector Addendum: The board considered a report on Cornwall's contribution to the defence sector, and a recommendation to approve the 2024-35 Defence Sector Addendum to the Cornwall Good Growth Plan. The report pack states that while defence is not identified as a standalone sector in the Good Growth Plan, it is deeply embedded within many of Cornwall's distinctive strengths, such as space, marine, critical minerals, and renewable energy.

The decisions made by the board could have significant implications for Cornwall's economic development, international relations, and role in national security. Read more about the Cornwall Growth Board meeting.

Pensions Committee Discusses Funding Strategy and Investment Performance

The Pensions Committee met to discuss a draft funding strategy statement, a business update on the pension fund, and an update from the Brunel Pension Partnership2. The meeting also covered governance issues and responsible investment.

  • Draft Funding Strategy Statement: The committee discussed a draft of the Cornwall Pension Fund's Funding Strategy Statement (FSS). The draft FSS sets out the approach for collecting contributions from the Scheme's employers to ensure the Fund can meet its obligations to pay members' benefits.
  • Cornwall Pension Fund Business Update: The committee discussed the fund's position as of 30 September 2025. This included investment performance information, with clarifications and further information from officers as required. According to the report pack, over the quarter to 30 September 2025, the Fund's total market value increased by £77.3 million, to £2,662 million. Total Fund assets produced a positive return of 3.2%, compared to a target of 5.0%, underperforming the total Fund benchmark by 1.8%.
  • Governance Update: The committee discussed a governance update, including a Pension Board Update, Payment of Contributions, Risk Register, Fund Attendance and Training Record, Quarterly Training Survey Update, Valuation Update, Fit for the Future Governance Update, Access and Protections Government Consultation, Employer Risk Management Policy, Policy on Academy Funding, Cessation Policy, and Pension Fund Work Plan Mid-Year Review.

The decisions made by the committee will have a direct impact on the financial security of council employees and the long-term sustainability of the pension fund. Read more about the Pensions Committee meeting.

Schools Forum Debates Funding Formula Amidst High Needs Pressures

The Cornwall Schools Forum met to discuss school funding and pupil growth. The forum considered a report on the pupil growth formula for 2026/27, and another on the schools funding formula.

  • School Funding Formula: The forum discussed the proposed schools funding formula for 2026/27. The report pack states that the proposed schools funding formula for 2026/27 includes: Capping & Scaling options, NFF factor values, Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG) rate, and De-delegation for maintained schools.
  • Pupil Growth Formula 2026/27: The forum discussed a report updating on the approach to dealing with the reduced budget to fund pupil growth and falling rolls for the current year (and likely next few years) due to the commitments the Local Authority (LA) made to fund new and growing schools.
  • High Needs Pressures: The report pack notes that local authorities continue to experience significant pressure within the high needs sector due to the increase in number and complexity of children and young people requiring an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP).

The decisions made by the forum will have a direct impact on the resources available to schools and the support provided to students, particularly those with special educational needs. Read more about the Cornwall Schools Forum meeting.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

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

  1. Cornwall Council's Good Growth Plan aims to deliver a carbon-neutral and inclusive economy, providing opportunities for people, communities, and businesses to thrive. ↩

  2. The Brunel Pension Partnership is one of eight Local Government Pension Scheme pools, managing the investments of ten local authority pension funds. ↩

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service Local Pension Board

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service Local Pension Board - Tuesday, 27th January, 2026 2.00 pm

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service Local Pension Board is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a comprehensive business update covering membership movements, pension scheme bulletins, risk and breaches logs, and financial updates. A significant portion of the discussion is expected to focus on the ongoing complexities and remedies related to age discrimination in pension schemes, specifically the McCloud/Sargeant and Matthews cases, as well as issues surrounding secondary contracts for firefighters.

January 27, 2026, 2:00 pm
Corporate Finance and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Corporate Finance and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 27th January, 2026 10.00 am

The Corporate Finance and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, to review several key financial and strategic documents. The committee's agenda includes discussions on the council's treasury management, asset management, capital investment plans, and its annual equality duty return.

January 27, 2026, 10:00 am
Miscellaneous Licensing Committee

from 9 January 2026; Please note that the meeting will be held in the Trelawny Room, New County Hall, Truro., Miscellaneous Licensing Committee - Friday, 23rd January, 2026 10.00 am

The Miscellaneous Licensing Committee of Cornwall Council met on Friday 9 January 2026 to consider a number of applications and reviews relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle licences. The committee's agenda included the review of several driver and vehicle licences, as well as applications for new driver licences.

January 23, 2026, 10:00 am
Urgent Driver/Operator/Vehicle Sub Committee

Urgent Driver/Operator/Vehicle Sub Committee - Thursday, 22nd January, 2026 1.00 pm

The Urgent Driver/Operator/Vehicle Sub Committee met to review several private hire and Hackney carriage licenses. Councillor James O'Keefe was elected chair for the meeting. The committee resolved to revoke the licenses of private hire operator WO2, Hackney carriage and private hire driver WD219, private hire vehicle WV171, and Hackney carriage and private hire driver WD217.

January 22, 2026, 1:00 pm
Strategic Planning Committee CANCELLED

Strategic Planning Committee - Thursday, 22nd January, 2026 10.00 am

This meeting has been cancelled.

January 22, 2026, 10:00 am
Cornwall Growth Board

Cornwall Growth Board - Thursday, 22nd January, 2026 2.00 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

January 22, 2026, 2:00 pm
Licensing Act Sub Committee CANCELLED

Licensing Act Sub Committee - Wednesday, 21st January, 2026 10.00 am

This meeting has been cancelled.

January 21, 2026, 10:00 am
Budget Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Budget Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 21st January, 2026 10.00 am

The Budget Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Cornwall Council was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, to discuss the draft council financial plans for 2026-2030 and the budget for 2026/27. The meeting's agenda also included an opportunity for public questions and a review of previous minutes.

January 21, 2026, 10:00 am
Cornwall Council

Cornwall Council - Tuesday, 20th January, 2026 10.30 am

The Cornwall Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday 20 January 2026 was set to cover a range of topics, including the allocation of seats on committees, recommendations from the Constitution and Governance Committee, and several motions proposed by councillors. The meeting also included time for public questions on various local issues.

January 20, 2026, 10:30 am
East Sub-Area Planning Committee CANCELLED

East Sub-Area Planning Committee - Monday, 19th January, 2026 10.00 am

This meeting has been cancelled.

January 19, 2026, 10:00 am
Individual Decision Days

Individual Decision Day - Wednesday, 28th January, 2026 10.00 am

January 28, 2026, 10:00 am
Licensing Act Sub Committee

Licensing Act Sub Committee - Wednesday, 28th January, 2026 10.00 am

January 28, 2026, 10:00 am
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Economic Prosperity Board

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Economic Prosperity Board - Thursday, 29th January, 2026 11.00 am

January 29, 2026, 11:00 am
West Sub-Area Planning Committee

West Sub-Area Planning Committee - Monday, 2nd February, 2026 10.00 am

February 02, 2026, 10:00 am
Appeals Committee

Appeals Committee - Monday, 2nd February, 2026 10.00 am

February 02, 2026, 10:00 am
Health & Wellbeing Board

Extraordinary Meeting, Committee in Common between Cornwall Health and Wellbeing Board and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Partnership - Tuesday, 3rd February, 2026 10.00 am

February 03, 2026, 10:00 am
Licensing Act Sub Committee CANCELLED

Licensing Act Sub Committee - Wednesday, 4th February, 2026 10.00 am

February 04, 2026, 10:00 am
Standards Committee

Standards Committee - Thursday, 5th February, 2026 10.00 am

February 05, 2026, 10:00 am
Miscellaneous Licensing Committee

Miscellaneous Licensing Committee - Friday, 6th February, 2026 10.00 am

February 06, 2026, 10:00 am
Central Sub-Area Planning Committee

Central Sub-Area Planning Committee - Monday, 9th February, 2026 10.00 am

February 09, 2026, 10:00 am