The Individual Decision Day meeting of Cornwall Council on Wednesday 18 March 2026 is scheduled to consider proposals for 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

A report is scheduled for discussion regarding the provision of security services to designated accommodation sites across Cornwall. The proposal is to approve the award of a three-year contract, with an option to extend for a further three years, to a successful bidder following a competitive tender process. This service is described as a critical element of the Council's response to homelessness, providing safety, stability, and safeguarding within high-risk accommodation environments. The estimated total value of the contract over the initial three-year term is £3,695,959, with costs to be recovered through rental income paid via Housing Benefit. The service will encompass static and mobile guarding, CCTV monitoring, access control, incident response, safeguarding duties, and de-escalation of anti-social behaviour at sites supporting rough sleepers and homeless individuals with support needs.

Crisis and Resilience Fund 2026-29

The meeting will also consider the implementation of Cornwall Council's Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) for the period 2026-29. This fund, totalling £8.252 million, will replace the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments. The report outlines a proposed Enhanced Hub Model which aims to provide a cash-first approach, warm referrals, multi-channel access, and a joined-up support landscape. The CRF will operate through four strands: Crisis Payments, Housing Payments, Resilience Services, and Community Coordination. The primary objective is to offer a safety net for low-income households facing financial shocks and to invest in individual and community financial resilience. The report recommends approving the receipt of the CRF monies and the Discretionary Financial Support Policy 2026. Authority will be delegated to the Chief Operating Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources and the Monitoring Officer, to allocate the CRF funding and agree any improvements or reallocations throughout the fund's duration.

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

A draft strategy, Belonging in Cornwall: Our strategy for a fair and inclusive Cornwall where everyone feels welcome, is scheduled for discussion. This document outlines Cornwall Council's equality objectives and ambitions for the period 2026-2030. It aims to fulfil the Council's responsibilities under the Public Sector Equality Duty¹ and express the Council's values of Fairness, Ambition, Inclusion, and Respect. The 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, including leading by example in partnerships, engaging with residents to inform decision-making, improving the accessibility of buildings, services, and information, and fostering a fairer and more inclusive workplace. The report recommends approving the draft strategy for public consultation, which is planned to run from 26 March 2026 to 6 May 2026, with a finalised version to be presented to Cabinet in June 2026.