The Cornwall Council meeting on 25 November 2025 included a review of members' allowances, questions from the public, and several motions covering topics such as digital IDs, support for veterans, and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) policies. Additionally, the council was scheduled to discuss the allocation of seats on various committees and recommendations from the Constitution and Governance Committee, the Pensions Committee, and the Cornwall Harbours Board.

Motions

Several motions were put forward for consideration at the meeting.

Digital ID

Councillor Donnithorne and Councillor Creek proposed a motion titled Cornwall Council Says No to Mandatory Digital ID. The Prime Minister had stated that mandatory Digital IDs are necessary to control illegal immigration. The motion questioned whether the Leader of the Council could identify any other benefits for Cornish residents from this control mechanism.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy

A motion proposed by Councillor Tarrant and Councillor Hanlon called for Cornwall Council to Discontinue Mandatory EDI/DEI Policy.

Housing Revenue Account

Councillor Ewert and Councillor German proposed a motion to Support the Housing Revenue Account.

Northern Ireland Veterans

Councillor Alvey and Councillor Cador proposed a motion regarding Northern Ireland Veterans.

Questions from the Public

Members of the public submitted several questions for consideration.

Councillor Defection

Mr Brett Bodmin asked:

Why or what grounds are Councillors allowed to continue being a member of the council when they have left the party they stood for during the local elections. I would assume their mandate to serve is no longer appropriate or democratic. Please explain?

Digital ID

Mr Goodman St Austell asked:

The Prime Minister has said mandatory Digital ID is only necessary to control illegal Immigration. Can the Leader think of any other benefits that Cornish residents will get from this control mechanism? It really isn't clear, despite the huge effort the Labour Government has put into imposing it on us.

Farming in Cornwall

Mrs Kimber St Austell asked:

With the government attacking farmers across the country and this administration seeing to be wanting to sell off local farms, can the portfolio holder or the leader confirm whether they agree with the government that we should have no farmers and have all land for the purpose of green energy?

Noise Abatement Notice: JJ Smith and Co Joinery Ltd, Greenbank Road, Devoran

Mr Jackson Truro asked:

Should residents expect Cornwall Council to seek a prosecution in the Magistrates' Court when a company has failed to abate a substantiated noise nuisance within the timeframe stated in a Statutory Nuisance Abatement Notice served by Cornwall Council on 29 August under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990?

Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 relates to summary proceedings for statutory nuisances¹. The question refers to JJ Smith and Co Joinery Ltd, Greenbank Road, Devoran.

Protection of Religious Groups in Cornwall

Mr Kimber St Austell asked:

With Russia and others banning religions like Jehovah's Witnesses, and rising antisemitism globally, alongside government removal of tax breaks for religious buildings, can the cabinet member confirm what actions are being taken to protect the rights of religious groups such as Jehovah's Witnesses and Jewish communities in Cornwall?

Recruitment at Cornwall Newquay Airport

Mrs Lucas St Columb Major asked:

The former Managing Director of Newquay Airport left 8 months ago. Given the importance of the role, why has an open and transparent recruitment process not begun for a replacement or is the intention just to hand it to the interim MD who has never worked in another airport before?

Allocation of Seats

The council was scheduled to discuss the Allocation of Seats on various committees. An appendix detailed the proposed allocation of seats across different political groups for committees such as the Harbours Board, Appeals, Chief Officers Employment, CIFCA², Standards, Audit Committee, Constitution & Governance, Pensions, and various licensing and planning committees.

Independent Remuneration Panel: Review of Members' Allowances

The council was scheduled to consider the Independent Remuneration Panel's Review of Members' Allowances.

Recommendations from the Constitution and Governance Committee

The council was scheduled to review recommendations from the Constitution and Governance Committee.

Council Procedure Rule 4.2.2 Allocation of Substitutes

The council was scheduled to discuss Council Procedure Rule 4.2.2 Allocation of Substitutes.

Review of Article 21 Governance Arrangements of Council Owned Entities and the Protocol for Governance Arrangements of Council Owned Entities

The council was scheduled to discuss the Review of Article 21 Governance Arrangements of Council Owned Entities and the Protocol for Governance Arrangements of Council Owned Entities.

Recommendation from the Pensions Committee

The council was scheduled to consider a recommendation from the Pensions Committee regarding the Appointment of Employee Representative.

Recommendations from the Cornwall Harbours Board

The council was scheduled to review recommendations from the Cornwall Harbours Board.

Cornwall Harbours Board and Maritime Service Budget for Financial Year 2026 to 2027

The council was scheduled to discuss the Cornwall Harbours Board and Maritime Service Budget for Financial Year 2026 to 2027.

Cornwall Harbours Board and Maritime Service Dues, Fees and Charges for Financial Year 2026 to 27

The council was scheduled to discuss the Cornwall Harbours Board and Maritime Service Dues, Fees and Charges for Financial Year 2026 to 27.