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Weekly updates

Cornwall debates defence jobs, school funding cuts loom.

This week in Cornwall:

Council to Decide on Defence Sector Boost Amidst Economic Strategy

The Cornwall Growth Board is set to discuss a Defence Sector Addendum to the Cornwall Good Growth Plan, aiming to position the region as a key contributor to the UK's defence capabilities. This move could attract investment and jobs, but raises questions about the ethical implications of prioritizing defence-related industries.

  • Strategic Sectors: The addendum highlights Cornwall's strengths in space, marine, critical minerals, renewable energy, and agri-food as relevant to the defence sector.
  • Economic Benefits: Proponents argue that attracting defence investment will boost the local economy and create skilled employment opportunities.
  • Ethical Concerns: Critics may question the focus on defence, arguing that it could divert resources from other sectors and raise ethical concerns about profiting from the arms industry.

The decision reflects a broader debate about the role of local government in promoting economic growth while considering ethical and social values. Read more about the Cornwall Growth Board meeting.

Pension Fund Strategy Under Review: Security vs. Ethical Concerns

The Pensions Committee is scheduled to discuss the Cornwall Pension Fund's Funding Strategy Statement, investment performance, and responsible investment activities. With increasing awareness of environmental and social issues, the committee faces the challenge of balancing financial security with ethical considerations.

  • Funding Strategy: The committee will discuss the approach for collecting contributions from employers to ensure the fund can meet its obligations to pay members' benefits.
  • Investment Performance: The committee will review the fund's performance, including investment returns and responsible investment activity.
  • Ethical Considerations: The committee will discuss the fund's responsible investment activities, including its engagement with companies on environmental, social, and governance issues.

The decisions made by the committee will have a direct impact on the financial security of council employees and the ethical implications of the fund's investments. Read more about the Pensions Committee meeting.

Schools Forum to Debate Funding Cuts Amidst Rising Needs

The Cornwall Schools Forum is scheduled to discuss pupil growth funding and the schools funding formula for the 2026/27 financial year. With reduced funding and increasing demand for special educational needs support, the forum faces difficult decisions about resource allocation.

  • Pupil Growth Funding: The forum will consider options for dealing with the reduced budget for pupil growth and falling rolls.
  • School Funding Formula: The forum will discuss and vote on recommendations regarding the school funding formula, central school services budgets, and de-delegated budgets for maintained schools.
  • High Needs Pressures: The report notes that local authorities continue to experience significant pressure within the high needs sector due to the increase in number and complexity of children and young people requiring an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP).

The decisions made by the forum will have a direct impact on the resources available to schools and the support provided to students, particularly those with special educational needs. Read more about the Cornwall Schools Forum meeting.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of the upcoming meetings and their main topics:

Cornwall Council Debates Budget, Housing, Digital IDs & More

This week in Cornwall:

Council Budget Prioritisation Sparks Debate Amidst Service Pressures

The Budget Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss the draft council priorities plan and budget development, setting the stage for difficult decisions about resource allocation. With rising costs and increasing demand for services, the council faces the challenge of balancing competing needs while ensuring financial sustainability.

  • Draft Priorities Plan: The committee considered the draft council priorities plan, which outlines the proposed priorities and financial plans for the council.
  • Public Input: The agenda included a 15-minute period for members of the public to ask questions of the Committee Chairman, providing an opportunity for community input on budget priorities. Questions had to be submitted by 12 noon on Friday, 21 November 2025.
  • Financial Pressures: The council faces significant financial pressures, requiring careful consideration of priorities and resource allocation.

The budget decisions made in the coming months will have a direct impact on the services available to residents, particularly vulnerable groups who rely on council support.

Read more about the Budget Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Council Debates Housing, Digital IDs, and Equality Policies

Cornwall Council met to discuss a range of motions, including those related to housing, digital IDs, support for Northern Ireland veterans, and the council's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI/DEI) policy1. These debates highlight the diverse perspectives and priorities within the council, as well as the complex challenges facing the community.

  • Housing Crisis: Councillor Kate Ewert, Group Leader - Labour and Co-operative Group, proposed a motion to support the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), recognising the importance of council housing in addressing the housing crisis.
  • Digital ID Concerns: Councillor Connor Donnithorne, Group Leader - Conservative Group, proposed a motion opposing the introduction of mandatory digital IDs, citing concerns about privacy, surveillance, and potential discrimination.
  • EDI Policy Debate: Councillor Roger Tarrant, Deputy Group Leader - Reform UK, proposed a motion calling for the council to discontinue its mandatory EDI/DEI policy, arguing that it was divisive, discriminatory, and ineffective.

These debates reflect the ongoing tension between competing values and priorities, as the council seeks to address the needs of all residents.

Read more about the Cornwall Council meeting.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of the upcoming meetings and their main topics:

  1. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion/Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - these are frameworks used to promote fair treatment and equal opportunity for all. ↩

St Ives Bar Licence Approved, School Transport Appeals Decided

This week in Cornwall:

Licensing Decision for St Ives Bar Sparks Noise Concerns

The Licensing Act Sub Committee recently approved a variation to the premises licence for Mine Bar and Kitchen in St Ives, allowing extended hours and live music. While the decision supports a local business, it has raised concerns among nearby residents about potential noise disturbances.

  • Extended Hours: The licence variation allows for alcohol sales until 11 PM, with later hours on Bank Holiday Saturdays and New Year's Eve.
  • Live Music: The licence now includes live music, raising concerns about noise levels affecting residents in the vicinity.
  • Resident Objections: Residents John Bedding and Mark Fry voiced concerns about potential disturbances, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. Fry highlighted the potential for increased noise, urination, vomit, and rubbish in Dove Street due to late-night revellers.
  • Mitigation Measures: The sub-committee approved the application with additional conditions, including a complaints hotline, staff checks to ensure windows and doors are closed during regulated entertainment[^4], and noise restrictions.

The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing economic development with the need to protect the quality of life for residents.

Read more about the Licensing Act Sub Committee meeting.

Families Await Decisions on School Transport Appeals

The Appeals Committee met to discuss several school transport appeals, decisions that directly impact families relying on council assistance to get their children to school. The press and public were excluded from the meeting due to the sensitive nature of the information, leaving families anxious for a resolution.

Read more about the Appeals Committee meeting.

Focus on Families: Scrutiny Committee Examines Key Issues

The Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss several critical issues affecting children and families in Cornwall, including the progress of the SEND Strategic Plan, the Corporate Parenting Strategy, and the Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) Report.

  • SEND Strategic Plan: The committee received an update on the SEND Strategic Plan, which aims to improve the experiences and outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The plan addresses long waiting times for health services and seeks to improve the quality of education, health, and care plans.
  • Corporate Parenting Strategy: The committee discussed the updated Corporate Parenting Strategy, which sets out how the council will fulfil its responsibilities to Looked-after Children and Care Leavers, as defined in the Children and Social Work Act 2017. The strategy includes pledges to find the best available home, help children stay in touch with family and friends, and support their education.
  • EOTAS Report: The committee discussed the Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) Report 2025, which reviews the commissioning and monitoring of EOTAS provision in Cornwall following a safeguarding complaint. The report recommends clearer safeguarding policies, mandatory training for staff, and improved monitoring to strengthen safeguarding across EOTAS provision.

These discussions highlight the council's commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families in Cornwall.

Read more about the Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of the upcoming meetings and their main topics:

Winter Wonderland Licence Sparks Safety Concerns in Cornwall

This week in Cornwall:

Winter Wonderland Licensing Sparks Safeguarding Concerns

Cornwall Council's Licensing Act Sub Committee convened to consider a premises licence application for Cornwall Winter Wonderland, an event planned at Pool Market in Redruth. While the event promises festive cheer, concerns have been raised about public safety and the protection of children, particularly given the applicant's history.

  • Police Agreement: Devon and Cornwall Police initially objected but withdrew their concerns after the applicant agreed to stricter conditions, including a 500-person capacity limit, SIA-trained security, and a Challenge 25 policy1.
  • Public Objections: Sean Barlow, a member of the public, raised serious concerns about past events organized by the applicant, citing failures to check tickets, vendors selling expired drinks, inappropriate music, and lax enforcement of age restrictions.
  • Safeguarding Doubts: Barlow argued that despite the organizer having an event management plan and designated premises supervisor, a lack of Challenge 25 enforcement has been observed at previous events, raising questions about the organizer's commitment to protecting children.

The sub-committee ultimately granted the license, but the debate highlights the tension between supporting seasonal events and ensuring public safety, especially for vulnerable groups.

Read more about the Licensing Act Sub Committee meeting.

Council Grapples with Waste Strategy Amidst Booking System Debate

The Community Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed the Resources and Waste Strategy Delivery Plan, a roadmap for managing Cornwall's waste for the next two decades. A key point of contention was the proposal to formalize and expand the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) booking system, which has been trialled at seven sites since 2024.

  • Waste Hierarchy: The Resources and Waste Strategy is built around five key principles, including following the waste hierarchy1, meeting government targets, delivering value for money, reducing carbon emissions, and empowering communities.
  • Booking System Benefits: The council claims the booking system has reduced traffic congestion, improved recycling rates, enhanced customer satisfaction, and improved site management.
  • Development Wheel: The Cornwall Development and Decision Wheel for the HWRC Booking System showed that the booking system:

reduces queuing times and the number of cars on the road, leading to a 17% reduction in customer numbers and an increase in the average tonnage of waste brought per visit.

The debate over the booking system highlights the challenges of balancing efficiency and convenience with accessibility for all residents.

Read more about the Community Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Newquay Airport Development Strategy Aims for Financial Takeoff

The Sustainable Growth and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the progress of the Newquay Airport Development Strategy, a plan to transform the 650-acre Cornwall Airport Newquay (CAN) estate into a financially sustainable operation.

  • Land Development Plan: A key focus is the production of a Land Development Plan (LDP) for the entire Airport Estate, including the Aerohub Business Park (ABP).
  • Enterprise Zone Risk: A strategic risk has been identified pertaining to the inclusion of the Airport Estate as an existing Government Enterprise Zone2 (EZ) and its potential inclusion in a new wider Industrial Zone.

This has the potential to impact the Council's ability to retain Uniform Business Rate (UBR) revenue received from development works. This risk is being actively monitored and mitigated through internal review and stakeholder engagement.

The strategy aims to boost the local economy, but the council must navigate complex financial and regulatory challenges to ensure its success.

Read more about the Sustainable Growth and Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of the upcoming meetings and their main topics:

  1. Challenge 25 is a retailing strategy that encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID (a card bearing the PASS hologram, a photographic driving licence or a passport) if they intend to buy alcohol. ↩

  2. An Enterprise Zone is an area designated by the UK government to encourage economic growth and new jobs. They typically offer tax breaks, simplified planning regulations, and other incentives to attract businesses to the area. ↩

Cornwall School Transport Appeals & Airport Plans Scrutinised

This week in Cornwall:

School Transport Appeals Dominate Council Agenda, Leaving Families Anxious

The Appeals Committee is set to meet on Monday, November 17th, to consider a number of school transport appeals, decisions that directly impact families relying on council assistance to get their children to school. With the press and public excluded due to the sensitive nature of the information, the stakes are high for those awaiting a resolution.

Read more about the Appeals Committee meeting.

Newquay Airport Development Plans Under Scrutiny

The Sustainable Growth and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to discuss the progress of the CAN Development Programme at Newquay Airport on Tuesday, November 11th. The committee will review the strategic direction for the development of the Newquay Airport Estate, aiming to transform the 650-acre estate into a high-performing, financially sustainable and commercially driven operation .

  • Financial Sustainability: The Development Programme aims to deliver maximum value to the Cornish taxpayer.
  • Land Development Plan: The committee will be asked to provide recommendations, oversight and scrutiny of the CAN Development Options Appraisal and the production of the Land Development Plan1 (LDP) for the full Airport Estate, including the Aerohub Business Park2 (ABP).
  • Community Engagement: Consultation and wider community engagement has been identified as a priority for the development of the Land Development Plan for the entire Airport Estate, and the Land Development Plan for the Aerohub Business Park (ABP).

Read more about the Sustainable Growth and Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Bude Fire Station Expansion Sparks Debate Over Land Use

The Cornwall Harbours Board is set to discuss a proposal from the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) to acquire a small area of land at Bude Harbour to extend the current fire station. The proposal has raised questions about balancing community needs with potential precedents for land disposal.

  • Workplace Regulations: The fire service needs to extend the station to comply with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, following a report by His Majesty's Inspectorate, which identified that the station only has one toilet, washbasin and shower for a mixed-gender crew of 18 personnel.
  • Community Benefit: The report says that there is some concern that this disposal could set a precedent for further disposals, but as the land will be disposed to Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, who provide a vital role to the community, the harbour could also benefit from the disposal.
  • Financial Responsibility: Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service will cover all costs associated with the establishment of the compound.

Read more about the Cornwall Harbours Board meeting.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of the upcoming meetings and their main topics:

  1. A Land Development Plan is a long-term plan for the use of land in a particular area. ↩

  2. The Aerohub Business Park is a business park located next to Newquay Airport. ↩

Cornwall Schools Forum

Cornwall Schools Forum - Friday, 12th December, 2025 10.00 am

The Cornwall Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on 12 December 2025 to discuss school funding and pupil growth. The forum will consider a report on the pupil growth formula for 2026/27, and another on the schools funding formula. They will also receive verbal updates on membership and progress against the work plan.

December 12, 2025
Cornwall Growth Board

Cornwall Growth Board - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 2.00 pm

The Cornwall Growth Board is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 11th December, to discuss an international strategy, the Global Cornish diaspora project, and Cornwall's contribution to the defence sector. The meeting will also cover standard items such as the chairman's announcements and the minutes from the previous meeting.

December 11, 2025
Pensions Committee

Pensions Committee - Wednesday, 10th December, 2025 10.30 am

The Pensions Committee of Cornwall Council met on 10 December 2025 to discuss a draft funding strategy statement, a business update on the pension fund, and an update from the Brunel Pension Partnership. The meeting also covered governance issues and responsible investment.

December 10, 2025
Licensing Act Sub Committee CANCELLED

Licensing Act Sub Committee - Wednesday, 10th December, 2025 10.00 am

This meeting has been cancelled.

December 10, 2025
West Sub-Area Planning Committee CANCELLED

West Sub-Area Planning Committee - Monday, 8th December, 2025 10.00 am

This meeting has been cancelled.

December 08, 2025
Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee

Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee - Friday, 5th December, 2025 10.00 am

Here is a summary of what was scheduled to be discussed at the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee meeting. The agenda included the Chief Officer's quarterly report, budget monitoring, and the revenue budget and capital programme for the upcoming year. Also listed for discussion were updates on the Tamar 2050 project, specifically focusing on open road tolling and ferry decarbonisation.

December 05, 2025
Chief Officers Employment Committee

Chief Officers Employment Committee - Friday, 5th December, 2025 9.00 am

The Chief Officers Employment Committee of Cornwall Council scheduled a meeting to discuss the Chief Executive's mid-year appraisal, and the recruitment of a Chief Operating Officer. The committee was also scheduled to review the minutes of previous meetings. Much of the meeting was scheduled to be held behind closed doors, with the press and public excluded.

December 05, 2025
Miscellaneous Licensing Committee

Miscellaneous Licensing Committee - Friday, 5th December, 2025 10.00 am

The Miscellaneous Licensing Committee convened to address several applications and reviews related to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle licences, ultimately granting two applications, and adjourning three cases for further consideration. The committee reviewed applications WD214, WD215 and CD288, and reviewed licences WD216 and WV169.

December 05, 2025
Licensing Act Committee CANCELLED

Licensing Act Committee - Thursday, 4th December, 2025 10.00 am

This meeting has been cancelled.

December 04, 2025
Cornwall Pension Fund Local Pension Board

Cornwall Pension Fund Local Pension Board - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 10.30 am

The Cornwall Pension Fund Local Pension Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 3 December 2025 at County Hall, Truro. The meeting will cover a benefits team update, a governance update, and items from the Pension Fund Committee meetings held in September and October. Some items, including items from the Pension Fund Committee meetings, may be discussed in exclusion of the press and public.

December 03, 2025
Central Sub-Area Planning Committee CANCELLED

Central Sub-Area Planning Committee - Monday, 15th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 15, 2025
Appeals Committee CANCELLED

Appeals Committee - Monday, 15th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 15, 2025
Licensing Act Sub Committee

Licensing Act Sub Committee - Wednesday, 17th December, 2025 11.00 am

December 17, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Wednesday, 17th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 17, 2025
Street Trading Sub Committee

Street Trading and Pavement Licensing Sub Committee - Wednesday, 17th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 17, 2025
Strategic Planning Committee

Strategic Planning Committee - Thursday, 18th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 18, 2025
Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority

Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority - Friday, 19th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 19, 2025
East Sub-Area Planning Committee CANCELLED

East Sub-Area Planning Committee - Monday, 22nd December, 2025 10.00 am

December 22, 2025
Licensing Act Sub Committee

Licensing Act Sub Committee - Wednesday, 24th December, 2025 10.00 am, PROVISIONAL

December 24, 2025