The Individual Decision Day meeting of Cornwall Council on Wednesday 28 January 2026 was scheduled to discuss several key decisions across various council portfolios. Topics included financial arrangements for Celtic Sea Power Limited, a Section 75 agreement for mental health aftercare, a strategy for the River Camel catchment involving septic tank replacements, the release of vacant housing properties, and an investment plan for the Kernow Industrial Growth Fund.

Extension of Celtic Sea Power Limited Revolving Credit Facility

The meeting was scheduled to consider a report regarding the extension of a £1.5 million revolving credit facility (RCF) provided by Cornwall Council to Celtic Sea Power Limited (CSP). The facility, currently due to expire on 30 December 2025, was proposed to be extended to 31 March 2030 to support CSP's working capital needs as outlined in their business plan. The report also recommended an increase in the interest rate from 3.69% to 6.00% to align with current council offerings to council-owned entities and comply with subsidy control regulations. CSP is an industrial development company focused on the sustainable development of floating offshore wind in Cornwall, aiming to streamline processes and secure investment to maximise economic and job opportunities for the region.

Section 75 Agreement for Section 117 Aftercare Arrangements under the Mental Health Act 1983

A significant item on the agenda was the proposed Section 75 Agreement between Cornwall Council and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (CIOS ICB). This agreement aims to enhance aftercare services for adults aged 18 and over who are eligible for Section 117 aftercare under the Mental Health Act 1983. The report outlined a strategic approach to ensure compliance with the Act and its Code of Practice, establishing a unified register and framework for oversight and coordination across health and social care. A key element of the proposal was the establishment of a pooled budget, with equal 50:50 contributions from both organisations, to fund community care placements and packages. This pooled fund is intended to remove the need for lengthy negotiations on individual funding splits, allowing professionals to focus on patient support and facilitate prompt hospital discharges. The total estimated expenditure for adult aftercare arrangements was approximately £40 million annually, with each organisation currently contributing around £20 million. The report also proposed the approval of a Section 117 Policy for Cornwall and the appointment of a Pooled Fund Manager.

River Camel Mitigation Strategy – Septic Tank Replacement Scheme – Local Development Order

The meeting was scheduled to consider a proposal to proceed to public consultation on a Local Development Order (LDO) designed to create a permitting framework for septic tank replacements within the River Camel catchment. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address restrictions on development in the catchment due to excess nutrients, particularly phosphates, which have led to an unfavourable status for the River Camel Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The LDO would streamline the process for homeowners to replace existing septic tanks with more efficient package treatment plants, thereby reducing phosphate loading. This scheme is intended to generate mitigation credits that developers can purchase to demonstrate nutrient neutrality for new developments. The costs of the scheme are eligible for existing grant funding, and the LDO aims to ensure improvements are legally secured for 80 years with minimal administrative burden. The report detailed the proposed LDO, its constraints, conditions, and the findings of a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening opinion, which concluded that the LDO could proceed without requiring a full EIA and would not adversely affect the integrity of the River Camel SAC.

Release of Vacant Housing Revenue Account Properties

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the disposal of several vacant Housing Revenue Account (HRA) properties owned by Cornwall Council. These properties, including 3 Woodland Cottages, 19 Prince Charles Close, 35 Polbrean Avenue, 10 Greenwith Crescent, 23 Moorland Way, 6 Wadebridge Road, 9 and 10 Polvellan Terrace, and Saracen House, were identified as being in disrepair and untenanted. The housing service determined that the cost of repairing each property exceeded £50,000, making it no longer economically viable to retain them as social housing assets. The report sought authority to declare these assets surplus to requirements and proceed with their disposal through the Council's Asset Release process, in accordance with Section 32 of the Housing Act 1985 and the Cornwall Council Code of Practice for Land and Property Transactions.

Investment Plan for Kernow Industrial Growth Fund

An item regarding an Investment Plan for Kernow Industrial Growth Fund was listed on the agenda, with a note indicating that the report was To follow. This suggests that details of the proposed investment plan were not yet available at the time the agenda was published.