The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board was scheduled to discuss a range of strategic updates, including the implications of becoming a Foundation Strategic Authority, the findings of a Corporate Peer Challenge, and plans for future economic funding. The meeting also included discussions on the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Digital Inclusion Strategy and the future economic funding landscape.

Foundation Strategic Authority and LGA Corporate Peer Challenge

The Board was scheduled to consider the implications of Cornwall Council potentially being designated as a Single Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA). This designation, offered on an exceptional basis by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed MP, would recognise Cornwall's distinct local identity and history of programme delivery. The report indicated that while current functions available under an FSA are limited, it could create a pathway for additional future devolution. The Board was also set to review the feedback report from the Local Government Association's (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge, which took place in January 2026. This challenge assessed Cornwall Council's performance across key areas, including local priorities, organisational leadership, governance, financial planning, and capacity for improvement. The report highlighted Cornwall's excellent and mature partnerships but also recommended a review of the strategic partnership landscape to ensure clear focus and maximise effectiveness.

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Executive Group Strategic Update

An update was scheduled on the activities of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Executive Group. This group brings together senior leaders from public, private, and voluntary sectors to foster collaboration and support shared priorities. The update was expected to cover achievements over the past twelve months, progress on key workstreams such as the Get Britain Working initiative, net zero targets, nature recovery, and improvements to the bus network. Digital inclusion was highlighted as a strategic priority, with concerns raised about Cornwall's declining digital connectivity and the need to strengthen digital access and resilience, particularly in light of recent storm events.

Future Economic Funding Landscape and Cornwall Good Growth Plan Prioritisation of Investment

The Board was scheduled to discuss the evolving economic funding landscape and its implications for the Cornwall Good Growth Plan. With the UK Shared Prosperity Fund ending in September 2026, and a shift towards loan and equity investment opportunities, a new approach to economic development activity was proposed. This approach would see Cornwall Council's role move towards strategic influencing and leveraging private sector investment, rather than directly funding economic development through grants. The meeting was to consider a prioritised investment pipeline developed by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Economic Forum, focusing on key sectors such as renewable energy, critical minerals, space, and marine innovation. Principles for the Kernow Industrial Growth Fund and the Cornwall Evergreen Regeneration Fund were also to be discussed.

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Digital Inclusion Strategy

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Digital Inclusion Strategy 2025–2030. The strategy aims to ensure that by 2030, every resident has the opportunity, confidence, and support to be digitally included, with access to the right tools, skills, and connections. The report highlighted that Cornwall now ranks among the 19 most digitally at-risk local authority areas in England, with challenges including connectivity gaps, affordability, skills shortages, and accessibility barriers. The strategy is structured around four strategic outcomes: Everywhere Connected (ensuring reliable connectivity), Everyone Connected (equipping residents with skills and devices), Everything Connected (embedding digital inclusion into wider systems), and For the Future (building a sustainable digital inclusion ecosystem). The Board was asked to endorse the strategy, confirm collective ownership, and commit to supporting its delivery through leadership, commissioning, and funding decisions.

A Perspective of Scilly

Councillor Robert Francis was scheduled to present A perspective of Scilly. While the specific content of this presentation was not detailed in the provided documents, it was likely intended to offer insights into the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Isles of Scilly, potentially relating to their specific economic, social, or environmental circumstances.

Board Member Matters of Urgency / Any Other Business

The final item on the agenda allowed for any urgent matters or other business to be raised by Board members. It was noted that the next Leadership Board meeting was planned to be held on the Isles of Scilly, with proposals for site visits and potential for an overnight stay to allow for fuller engagement. Additionally, members were to be informed about forthcoming policing reforms, with proposals expected to replace Police and Crime Commissioners with council-led Police and Crime Boards, and Cornwall was encouraged to consider taking a leadership role in this area.