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.

Treasury Management Strategy 2026/27

The committee is set to consider the council's Treasury Management Strategy for 2026/27. This strategy outlines how Cornwall Council will manage its borrowing, investments, and cash flows for the upcoming financial year. It details the prudential and treasury indicators that guide the council's financial activities, including its approach to borrowing, investment returns, and cash flow management. The strategy also covers the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy, which details how the council sets aside revenue for the repayment of principal borrowing, and the Annual Investment Strategy, which sets out the approach to investing surplus funds. The report highlights that the council's borrowing strategy aims to minimise net interest costs while managing risk, and that there are no proposed changes to counterparty limits or affordability limits. The strategy is presented as crucial for ensuring the prudent management of public funds, safeguarding financial stability, and optimising investment returns to support the cost-effective delivery of the Capital Programme.

Corporate Asset Management Strategy

A significant item on the agenda is the Corporate Asset Management Strategy (CAMS) for 2026-2029. This strategy aims to provide a unified, corporate approach to managing the council's land and property assets. It proposes a framework where all assets will be assessed through three strategic lenses: Service Delivery, Value Generating, and Asset Release. This approach is intended to ensure that each asset has a clear purpose, performs effectively, and aligns with the council's strategic priorities, including service delivery, financial sustainability, housing, regeneration, and climate outcomes. The strategy aims to optimise asset utilisation, support service transformation, enable housing delivery, advance environmental sustainability, promote community value, strengthen governance, and maximise financial efficiency. The report details the development of this strategy through workshops and outlines a phased implementation plan with key milestones and priority actions.

Capital and Investment Strategy

The committee will also review the draft Capital and Investment Strategy for 2026/27 to 2030/31. This strategy outlines how Cornwall Council plans to manage, maintain, and develop its assets, detailing how a proposed £2.1 billion investment over six years will be financed and what it will deliver in terms of service provision. The strategy categorises investment into Sustain, Change, and Grow to reflect its purpose. It highlights the funding mix, including prudential borrowing, grants, contributions, capital receipts, and reserves, and addresses the financial implications, including increased capital financing costs. The strategy emphasizes the importance of prudent, affordable, and sustainable investment, aligning with the council's priorities and the Prudential Code. It also details the governance framework for investment decision-making and risk management.

Statutory Public Sector Equality Duty Return (Annual Review) 2026

Finally, the committee will consider the council's Statutory Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) Return for 2026. This annual review demonstrates the council's compliance with the Equality Act 2010, outlining actions taken to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between different groups. The report highlights achievements in areas such as supporting low-income households, the influence of employee forums, initiatives promoting Cornish distinctiveness, and efforts to address domestic abuse and promote healthy relationships. It also provides data on the council's workforce, including age, sex, disability, ethnicity, and caring responsibilities, identifying areas for improvement in diversification and data collection. The return aims to show progress in levelling up life chances across Cornwall's diverse communities.