The Constitution and Governance Committee of Cornwall Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, to discuss a range of important governance and constitutional matters. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the council's work programme, proposed changes to planning legislation, and discussions on the transparency of appointments and exit payments.

Committee Work Programme 2026-2027

The committee is set to consider its work programme for the upcoming municipal year. This programme outlines the areas of work planned for the committee, providing clarity to the public on its focus. The proposed delegation to make changes to the agreed work programme is intended to be an effective use of time, particularly for legal matters or items referred by the council.

Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to discussing the implications of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025. This legislation introduces a national scheme of delegation for planning decisions, aiming for faster decision-making and greater consistency. The report pack details proposed amendments to the council's Constitution and supporting documents to align with the forthcoming Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026. These changes will affect which planning applications can be determined by officers and which may be referred to planning committees. The report also raises questions about the future structure and number of planning committees, given the anticipated reduction in committee-eligible applications.

Governance and Transparency of Appointments and Exit Payments of £100,000 and Over

The committee will review proposals to enhance transparency regarding appointments and exit payments exceeding £100,000. This follows an external audit finding that highlighted the need to ensure compliance with the Localism Act 2011. The proposed changes aim to expressly include these matters in the council's Pay Policy Statement and Scheme of Delegation, requiring the Chief Executive to consult with the Leader, the Portfolio Holder for Resources, and the Section 151 Officer before making decisions on such payments or appointments outside approved salary ranges.

Code of Governance

A review and potential approval of the council's Code of Governance is scheduled. The current Code was last updated in 2017, and a recent update to the CIPFA/Solace Framework Delivering Good Governance in Local Government in May 2025 reinforces the guidance for councils to maintain and regularly update their Codes. The proposed updated Code is designed to align with the Framework's seven core principles of good governance, providing a clearer structure for the council's Annual Governance Statement.

Scrutiny of the Budget

The committee is to consider a recommendation to centralise the scrutiny of the council's budget. Currently, the Budget Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee (BDOSC) operates alongside the Corporate Finance and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee (CFPOSC), leading to potential confusion and duplication of effort. The proposal suggests removing the BDOSC and establishing an informal standing group under the CFPOSC, which would include the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of other Overview and Scrutiny Committees. This approach aims to provide a more holistic and effective scrutiny of the budget development and monitoring process.

Other Agenda Items

The meeting will also include the confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 31 March 2026, and the election of a Chair and Vice-Chair for the committee.