The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board met on Friday 10 January 2025, approving recommendations on the Residents' Survey 2024 and the Housing Analysis 2024 & Homelessness Strategy. The Board also received updates on the English Devolution White Paper and the Prisoners Building Homes Programme.

Residents' Survey 2024 - Cornwall Plan 2050 Measures

The Board noted the verbal update on the Residents' Survey 2024, which aligns with the Cornwall Plan 2050 measures. The survey, conducted by Enventure Research, involved 3,002 Cornwall residents aged 16 and over. The findings indicated a decrease in satisfaction with local areas as a place to live, and a reduction in residents feeling they belong to or are part of their community. However, the proportion of residents spending money with local businesses increased, and feelings of safety after dark had improved. The survey also highlighted that while fewer residents reported experiencing discrimination, there was a slight decrease in agreement that people in local areas pull together to improve their communities. The Board was reminded of the importance of considering the views of young people, as highlighted by the Cornwall Youth Council's Make Your Mark survey results.

Housing Analysis 2024 & Homelessness Strategy

The Board endorsed the progress made on the Preventing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, the 2024 Housing Analysis document, and the establishment of a Preventing Homelessness Partnership Board. They also noted the intention to advertise for a new non-Council chair of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Strategic Housing Group in 2025-26.

Councillor Oliver Monk, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing, introduced the report, highlighting Cornwall's acute housing pressures, with over 21,000 households on the housing register and more than 900 families at risk of homelessness. The 2024 Housing Analysis, developed in partnership with the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Strategic Housing Group, provides an in-depth look at Cornwall's housing market, including demographics, affordability, and housing needs. The analysis indicates that Cornwall's population is projected to grow significantly, with an increasing proportion of older residents, which will further strain housing availability.

The updated Preventing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy aims to ensure that no one in Cornwall should be homeless and when it is experienced, it is rare, brief and not repeated. This strategy will be delivered through a partnership approach, focusing on prevention, provision of homes, and support services. A key recommendation was the establishment of a Preventing Homelessness Partnership Board to oversee the strategy's implementation.

During the discussion, a request was made for a more detailed breakdown of homelessness demographics, and it was confirmed that approximately half of the households in temporary accommodation are families, with the other half being single occupants. The Chief Executive of Coastline Housing noted that the Housing Analysis figures predated the government's revision of new housing targets, and the Strategic Housing Group would need to analyse the impact of the increased target of 4,400 homes. Concerns were also raised about the severe housing crisis on the Isles of Scilly, with significantly higher build costs than on the mainland.

English Devolution White Paper - Power and Partnership: Foundations for Growth

The Board received a verbal update on the English Devolution White Paper, Power and Partnership: Foundations for Growth, published on 16 December 2024. The paper outlines the government's intention to devolve powers and funding to Strategic Authorities with populations of over 1.5 million, typically led by elected mayors.

Cornwall's MPs, including Noah Law MP and Perran Moon MP, had met with the Deputy Prime Minister to discuss Cornwall's desire for a Cornwall only devolution deal. However, the White Paper suggests that Cornwall, as a single local authority, would likely fall under Foundation Strategic Authority status, offering less devolved power than a Mayoral Strategic Authority. There is a potential for a combined authority with Devon, Torbay, and Plymouth, creating a population of 1.8 million, but this has met with animated resistance from Cornwall due to concerns about identity and distinctiveness.

Perran Moon MP expressed a preference for Cornwall's decision-making to remain with Cornwall Councillors and for Cornwall to maintain its unique national minority status. Jayne Kirkham MP also favoured a Cornwall-only devolution deal and sought clarification on potential gains and losses from combining with Devon. The Vice-Chairman of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board noted that the Board's geographical coverage would not align with a combined Cornwall and Devon authority. The Chairman acknowledged the risk of Cornwall not having a seat in the emerging Industrial Forum but stressed the need for Cornwall to advocate for itself, particularly in emerging sectors like marine, renewables, and critical minerals.

Strategic Briefing from Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Executive Group Meeting on 9 December 2024

The Board noted the verbal update from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Executive Group, which brings together senior executive leaders from public, private, and voluntary sectors. The Group plays a key role in fostering collaboration and supporting shared priorities. The Chairman of the Executive Group highlighted ongoing work on the Civic University Agreement, with six-monthly review meetings tracking progress against objectives such as green futures, healthy futures, fair futures, and creative futures. Conversations were also underway with Plymouth Marjon University regarding a similar agreement.

Prisoners Building Homes Programme

The Board welcomed the Prisoners Building Homes Programme, described as a fantastic example of collaboration that offers skills development, homes, and opportunities for prisoners and prison leavers to reduce reoffending. The Police and Crime Commissioner and the Programme Manager presented details on the programme's background, funding, current projects, and benefits. It was confirmed that no sites were currently in the pipeline for Cornwall, but the Strategic Housing Group would bring a response to the next Leadership Board meeting regarding the potential extension of the scheme to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Notes of Meeting Held on 15 November 2024

The notes from the previous Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board meeting on 15 November 2024 were agreed. Matters arising included the confirmation that an email with a link to the Anchor Institution self-assessment survey had been sent to Board Members, with a deadline of 31 January 2025 for submissions. The Board also welcomed the news that analysts from partner organisations would develop performance metrics to track the collective impact of work and health programmes. The Chairman noted the receipt of an additional £47.3m in Shared Prosperity Funding for 2025/26, but also expressed concern about a £5.2m reduction in Cornwall Council's expected financial settlement for 2025/26, attributed to the repurposing of the Rural Services Delivery Grant. The Council is working with Cornwall's MPs to address this budget gap.