The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board met on Friday 29 May 2026 to discuss a range of strategic issues, including the future of civic universities, economic development, and digital inclusion. The meeting also covered updates on national legislative proposals and the unique challenges faced by the Isles of Scilly.

Creative Industries Economic Sector and Civic Universities

The meeting was scheduled to include a discussion on the creative industries economic sector and civic universities, led by Professor Emma Hunt. This was followed by a working lunch. Later in the day, a more detailed discussion was planned regarding the Civic Universities Agreement, with Professor Emma Hunt and Professor Martin Siegert leading the item. The report for this agenda point outlined proposals for the next phase of the agreement, aiming to align university commitments with local needs and opportunities. The universities involved, Falmouth University and the University of Exeter, are significant employers in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and are seen as key partners in driving societal, economic, and environmental advancements. The report highlighted the paradox of increased civic responsibility alongside deepening financial pressures within the higher education sector. It also noted the opportunity presented by Cornwall's potential designation as a single Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA), which could lead to closer collaboration with the Department for Science, Industry and Technology. The proposed work programme for 2026/2027, detailed in Appendix A of the report, focuses on four key themes: Green Futures, Healthy Futures, Fair Futures, and Creative Futures, all of which are aligned with the Cornwall Plan and the government's priorities for higher education.

Violence Against Women and Girls Disruption

Alison Hernandez was scheduled to lead a presentation on violence against women and girls, including the Male Ally Network (MAN) in Cornwall.

Economic Forum and Workforce and Skills Board Update

A presentation was planned to provide an update from the Economic Forum and Workforce and Skills Board, focusing on skills within the creative sector. This session was to be led by Professor Emma Hunt, Lord John Hutton, and Laura Giles.

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Executive Group Strategic Update

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Executive Group provided a strategic update. This included reflections on successful examples of Team Cornwall partnership working, which had been collated in a success register and positively received by a Corporate Peer Challenge team. The update also covered recent announcements from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), including progress on defining geographies for Foundation Strategic Authorities and Spatial Development Strategies, and the latest round of Pride in Place funding. Cornwall had not yet received this funding due to the methodology used, and this issue had been raised with the government. The publication of the final Local Outcomes Framework was also mentioned, which would require partnership working and potentially be reflected in the annual review of the Cornwall Plan. The Executive Group had also received a presentation on a draft countywide Education Strategy for learners aged 2–18, which was intended for public consultation. Further updates were provided on proposed national policing reforms, including changes to police force boundaries and future governance arrangements following the planned abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners. Preparations for Cornwall's presence at the Lorient Festival, where Cornwall would be the headline theme, were also discussed.

Foundation Strategic Authority and LGA Corporate Peer Challenge

A report was scheduled to be discussed concerning the findings of the Local Government Association's Corporate Peer Challenge and the government's invitation to Cornwall Council to explore designation as a Single Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA). The report noted that the Peer Challenge provided a positive assessment, with recommendations aligning with the council's priorities. Cabinet had agreed in principle to explore FSA designation, with the emphasis that any agreement must be the right deal for Cornwall and allow for future flexibility in devolution. Discussions were expected to cover the proposed Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) in the context of FSA status, with a preference for a Cornwall-only SDS for a more pragmatic and timely approach. The report also highlighted the need to frame Cornwall's approach positively with the government and suggested further consideration of appropriate governance models for joint working. The potential to align economic development more closely with a Cornwall-led SDS was identified as a key future opportunity. Updates were to be provided on ongoing discussions with the government, including steps taken to secure ministerial engagement on SDS and progress on specific devolved powers such as the Visitor Levy. Concerns were raised regarding communities along the Devon-Cornwall border, and it was confirmed that policy alignment and collaboration with neighbouring authorities would continue. Recommendations from the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge regarding the need to consider capacity for FSA functions and undertake a comprehensive review of partnership arrangements across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were also to be addressed. The Board was expected to note the decision of Cornwall Council's Cabinet to accept, in principle, the exploration of designating the Council as a Single Foundation Strategic Authority, consistent with the request for a Cornwall only Spatial Development Strategy footprint. The Board was also to consider the feedback report from the Corporate Peer Challenge and support the proposed review of the strategic partnership landscape.

A Perspective of Scilly

A presentation was scheduled to provide a perspective on the Isles of Scilly, highlighting the unique context of the islands within the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board. The presentation was expected to emphasise the islands' small, fragile population and the disproportionate financial and regulatory pressures faced, including high costs associated with waste disposal, transport, housing delivery, and social care. Challenges related to connectivity, particularly for off-island communities, and their impact on access to services, housing affordability, and population decline were to be discussed. Recent constructive engagement with the government was to be reported, along with commitments to explore transport connectivity and the high cost of freight. Future priorities were to include sustaining and strengthening the visitor economy while developing small-scale secondary, non-tourism employment opportunities. The lack of graduate-level employment, high living costs, and affordability challenges were to be highlighted as key factors driving outward migration. Opportunities linked to the green agenda, including greater energy self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on ageing infrastructure, were also to be discussed, alongside the long-term ambition of a car-free Isles of Scilly. The critical enabler for economic resilience, access to services, skills, and labour markets, and long-term community sustainability was identified as improved, affordable, and reliable connectivity. The Isles of Scilly's support for Cornwall's success and devolution ambitions was to be reaffirmed. Discussions were expected to cover the inextricable link between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the importance of supporting economic diversification, and the need for practical solutions to the islands' challenges. The fundamental issue of connectivity as the primary barrier to long-term sustainability was to be emphasised, along with housing as a critical concern linked to population decline. Renewable energy and self-sufficiency were also to be discussed, as was the disproportionate impact of remoteness on everyday life for island residents.

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

The Chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Economic Forum was scheduled to introduce a report outlining a proposed new approach to economic development in response to significant changes in the national funding landscape. The report was expected to detail an updated Cornwall Good Growth Plan, reflecting reduced availability of traditional grant funding, new opportunities through public loan and equity mechanisms, and emerging sector opportunities, including defence. The report sought endorsement of a prioritised pipeline of investable propositions from the Good Growth Plan, a shift in Cornwall Council's role towards convening and advocating for growth rather than direct grant funding, and a set of principles to guide the development of both the Curnow Industrial Growth Fund and the Cornwall Evergreen Regeneration Fund. Discussions were anticipated to cover the inclusion of core and foundational sectors, such as the visitor economy, within the investment pipeline and priority sectors. Clarification was sought on organisational capacity within Cornwall Council following restructuring, and assurances were to be provided regarding the minimisation of administration costs for the Kernow Industrial Growth Fund. Concerns about the availability of specialist expertise to assess bids in highly technical sectors were also to be addressed. Support was to be expressed for the proposed focus on strengthening the construction pipeline. The Board was expected to endorse the CIoS Economic Forum and Cornwall Council's suggested approach to economic development, including a prioritised investment pipeline, Cornwall Council's shift in role, and the principles for delivering the Kernow Industrial Growth Fund and the Cornwall Evergreen Regeneration Fund.

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Digital Inclusion Strategy

The Leader was scheduled to introduce the Cornwall Connected Digital Inclusion Strategy for the next five years. The report noted that the digital inclusion strategy adopted in 2019 had delivered significant impact, supporting over 9,000 residents. However, the digital landscape had changed, with Cornwall now among the most digitally at-risk local authority areas due to connectivity challenges, an ageing population, and socioeconomic inequalities. The refreshed strategy's vision was that by 2030 all residents would have the opportunity, confidence, and support to be digitally included, aligning with the Cornwall Plan 2050 ambition to deliver a Digital Revolution for Sustainable Living. The strategy was structured around four strategic outcomes: connectivity, skills and access, system integration, and long-term sustainability, with a commitment to co-designing a detailed action plan with partners. Discussions were expected to clarify the extent to which the strategy had been developed in conjunction with external partners, including the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and mobile network operators, and its alignment with existing initiatives. The use of Council land to support connectivity infrastructure and the inclusion of satellite technologies within the strategy's scope were also to be discussed. Officers were expected to confirm the wide range of partners engaged in the strategy's development and explain its intention to provide a shared framework to align existing and emerging activity. The Board was expected to endorse the refreshed Cornwall Connected Digital Inclusion Strategy 2025–2030, confirm collective ownership of the strategy, and commit to considering how each member organisation would actively support its delivery. The refresh of iCornwall as the primary partnership mechanism for coordination, learning, and delivery oversight was also to be supported, along with a commitment to championing the strategy at a national level.

King's Speech and Legislative Programme 2026

A note was to be presented setting out key Bills and draft Bills from the King's Speech 2026 deemed pertinent to Cornwall Council, aligned with Cornwall Council's priority outcomes. This included measures related to housing and planning, policing and justice, the armed forces covenant, water quality, business protection and regulation, the visitor economy, energy, education reform, NHS reform, transport infrastructure, railways, taxis, asylum and immigration, and digital identity. External responses to the speech from organisations such as the Local Government Association, the British Chambers of Commerce, and The King's Fund were also to be included.

Board Member Matters of Urgency and Any Other Business

This item was scheduled for board members to raise matters of urgency and any other business. It was noted that the next meeting would take place on Friday 29 May at Falmouth University (Penryn Campus), hosted by Professor Emma Hunt. The meeting was agreed to be extended to allow for a wider programme, including discussion on critical minerals, creative industries skills, and an opportunity to tour the University.