Purpose

Report
detailing the Council's commitment to maximise the economic impact
of the Airport, ensure the continuing operation of Cornwall Airport
Newquay, minimise the financial burden on the Cornish taxpayer and
attract investment to the Airport estate.
 
Part 2
(exempt) appendices expected.

Content

It was moved by Councillor Frost, seconded by
Councillor Widdon and
 
RESOLVED that
 
1. 
Investment in Cornwall Airport: The Committee welcomed future
investment in Cornwall Airport and its surrounding estate,
including the possibility of partnerships and joint ventures.
However, it strongly believed that these options must include
retaining public ownership and control of the airport.
 
It was moved by Councillor Frost, seconded by
Councillor Martin and
 
RESOLVED that
 
2. 
Concerns Over Negotiation Process: The Committee expressed serious
concerns about the ongoing negotiation process regarding the
airport.  Despite the confidential
debate significant details remain unclear. The timing, with only
months until a new Council administration, was
unfortunate.  Moreover, the Committee
was troubled by the apparent lack of audit and risk assessment,
which it considered essential.  At this
point, there is no clarity regarding the scale or nature of any
proposed developments.
 
It was moved by Councillor Frost, seconded by
Councillor Thomas and
 
RESOLVED that
 
3. 
Recommendation for Deferral: The Committee recommend that any final
decision on the airport be deferred until the next administration.
This would allow sufficient time to enable clearer outcomes &
further scrutiny by this Committee, ensuring a well-informed and
considered decision.

On being put to the vote the motion was lost.
 
It was moved by Councillor
Dwelly, seconded by Councillor Guest
and
 
RESOLVEDthat
 
4. 
 The Committee is
reassured that any proposed deal will be brought back to the
Committee in advance of any decision for scrutiny.
 
 
 
ACTION:
 
1.   The Managing
Director, Newquay Airport agreed to provide data from benchmarking
work done on other airports to Cllr Frost, with a copy provided to
the committee.
 
2. 
That the Committee establishes a task and finish
group to undertake an inquiry ,the scope
of which will be to explore:

(i) 
Lessons from other airports by way of benchmarking
and comparison, including the issue of public ownership;
and

(ii) 
Options to maximise the success of the airport
within the context of Cornwall Council control and ownership
 
Subject to the terms of
reference and other matters referred to in the approved Overview
and Scrutiny Protocol being finalised through agreement between the
Chairman and Vice-Chairman of this Committee, the Strategic
Director for Sustainable Growth and Development (or their nominee),
and the Statutory Scrutiny Officer (or their nominee) and
membership of the group shall be:
(i) 
Councillor Frost, Chairing; and
The other Members of
the group being Councillors Perry, Dwelly, Channon and Williams