The Individual Decision Day meeting of Cornwall Council was scheduled to discuss the provision of security services to designated accommodation sites, the allocation of the Crisis and Resilience Fund, and the adoption of a new strategy for a fair and inclusive Cornwall.

Provision of Security Services to Designated Accommodation Sites

The meeting was scheduled to consider the award of a three-year contract, with an option to extend for a further three years, for the provision of security services to designated supported accommodation sites across Cornwall. This service is considered critical for the Council's response to homelessness, aiming to provide safety and stability for vulnerable residents. The proposed contract has an estimated total value of £3,695,959 over the initial three-year term, with costs primarily recovered through rental income via Housing Benefit entitlement. The report pack indicated that the service would include static and mobile guarding, CCTV monitoring, access control, incident response, safeguarding duties, and de-escalation of anti-social behaviour. The procurement process involved a competitive tender exercise, with 12 submissions evaluated. The recommendation was to approve the award of the contract to the successful bidder.

Crisis and Resilience Fund 2026-29

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the implementation of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), a £8.252 million fund from the Department for Work and Pensions, set to replace the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments from 1 April 2026. The CRF is structured around four strands: Crisis Payments, Housing Payments, Resilience Services, and Community Coordination. The report proposed an Enhanced Hub Model for Cornwall, which aims to provide a cash-first approach, warm referrals, multi-channel access, and a joined-up support landscape. The recommendations included approving the receipt of the CRF monies, approving the Discretionary Financial Support Policy 2026, and delegating authority to the Chief Operating Officer to allocate the funding, agree improvements, and approve minor amendments to the policy. The fund aims to provide a safety net for low-income households facing financial shocks and invest in individual and community financial resilience.

Belonging in Cornwall: Our Strategy for a Fair and Inclusive Cornwall

The meeting was also scheduled to discuss the draft Belonging in Cornwall: Our strategy for a fair and inclusive Cornwall where everyone feels welcome strategy for 2026-2030. This strategy outlines Cornwall Council's equality objectives and ambitions, building on the progress made with its previous Equality Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. The draft strategy is structured around three themes: Cornwall Council working in partnership with others, Cornwall Council as a provider of services, and Cornwall Council as an employer. It sets out five high-level objectives aimed at eliminating unlawful discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations between different groups. The report indicated that the draft strategy would be subject to a six-week public consultation period before a finalised version is brought back for approval. The strategy aims to ensure that Cornwall is a place where everyone feels valued and respected, and that the Council's approach as an employer fosters a culture of acceptance, value, and inclusion.