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Cabinet - Wednesday, 23rd September, 2026 10.00 am
September 23, 2026 at 10:00 am Cabinet View on council websiteSummary
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The Cabinet of Cornwall Council met on Wednesday 23 September 2026, addressing a range of significant issues including the Council's performance report for the first quarter of 2026/27, the adoption of a new Commercial Strategy, and the consultation process for the Local Plan. Key decisions also included the approval of an All-Age Independent Advocacy service tender, the disposal of sites for extra care housing, and noting the outcomes of inspections related to Adult Social Care and SEND services.
Council Performance Report 2026/27 (Q1)
The Cabinet acknowledged and considered the Council Performance Report for the first quarter of 2026/27. A key decision was the approval of budget virements, budget uplifts, and write-offs totalling £903,234.59. Additionally, new public health reserves were approved. The Cabinet also resolved to recommend to Full Council a net reduction of £3.321m in the capital programme.
Cornwall Council Commercial Strategy
The draft Cornwall Council Commercial Strategy 2026-2030 was approved. This strategy aims to articulate how commercial activity supports the Council's strategic, financial, and service objectives, strengthening the use of resources, assets, purchasing power, partnerships, and companies to deliver better outcomes for Cornwall.
Local Plan - Consultation on Scoping Report
The Cabinet approved the delegation of authority to the Service Director for Planning and Housing to publish and consult on the Scoping Report and draft Vision for the new Cornwall Local Plan. This marks the first formal stage of consultation for the new Local Plan, which will cover the period up to 2050. The Cabinet also adopted the proposed timetable and engagement strategy for the plan's development. Furthermore, authority was delegated to allocate Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds to provide discretionary top-ups for parishes with an adopted Neighbourhood Priority Statement but without an adopted Neighbourhood Development Plan.
Independent Advocacy Business Case and Contract Tender
The All-Age Independent Advocacy Outline Business Case was approved, setting out a new integrated model for an all-age advocacy service. The tender for this service was approved to proceed to procurement, and authority was delegated to the Service Director for People Commissioning to award the contract following the tender process. This aims to ensure effective and timely statutory advocacy for children, young people, and adults across social care and health services throughout Cornwall.
Extra Care - Site Disposals, Grant Thresholds and Call-Offs
The Cabinet approved the inclusion of three sites – Kerensa and Blantyre in St Austell, Laity House and Luxstowe car park in Liskeard, and land off Whitestone Road in Bodmin – within extra care call-offs. These sites will be disposed of to successful bidders based on agreed terms and contractual arrangements. The methodology for grant thresholds was also approved, and authority was delegated to the Strategic Director for Safe and Caring Communities to award and enter into call-off contracts. The report also outlined provisions for the Targeted Disposal Route if sufficient interest from framework providers is not secured.
CQC Local Authority Inspection Report and Continuous Improvement Plan Framework
The Cabinet welcomed the outcome of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Adult Social Care inspection of Cornwall Council. The findings of the inspection and the Council's response, including the development of the Adult Social Care Continuous Improvement Framework, were noted. Delivery and ongoing oversight of continuous improvement remain delegated to the Strategic Director for Safe and Caring Communities.
SEND Local Area Inspection Report and Post Inspection Action Plan
The findings of the 2026 Area SEND inspection and the Local Area Partnership's Post-Inspection Action Plan were noted. The Cabinet supported the ongoing direction of travel and partnership approach outlined in the plan, recognising it as a live document aligned with the wider SEND Reform Programme. It was also noted that delivery is underway and progress will be monitored through established governance arrangements.
Regional End-to-End Fostering Recruitment and Retention Reform Programme
Cornwall Council recognised in principle the potential benefits of joining the End-to-End Fostering Recruitment and Retention Reform Programme as a frontrunner authority in the South West. The final decision on membership was delegated to the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools. This programme aims to strengthen local and regional responses to rising demand and complexity within fostering services.
Director of Public Health Annual Report 2026
The contents of the Director of Public Health Annual Report 2026, titled Mental Health and Wellbeing: Why Prevention Matters and What We Can Do,
were endorsed. The Cabinet expressed support in principle for the strategic priorities and actions proposed, endorsing further work to embed these within future Council strategies and corporate priorities. A commitment was made to promote mental health and wellbeing as a whole-council responsibility, recognising prevention, community resilience, and action on wider determinants of health as essential for improving population mental health outcomes.
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services Inspection Report for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
The Inspection Action Plans resulting from the HMICFRS 2023 inspection of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service were approved. This follows the inspection which assessed the service's effectiveness, efficiency, and people, identifying areas for improvement. The action plan details how the service will address these findings.
The meeting also included the approval of minutes from a previous meeting and noted questions from the public.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Questions from the Public / Govynnow dhyworth an Bobel
Recommendations ApprovedCornwall Cabinet approved recommendations on 23 September 2026. The meeting addressed public questions regarding Cornwall Airport's charging policies and consultant fees, and the employment of a single Chief Executive.
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Minutes of the Meeting Held on 29 July 2026 / Kovnotennow an Kuntelles Synsys 29 mis Gortheren 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the strategic framework for budget setting and the approach to delivering transformation. This will form the basis for developing the draft budget to be considered on 4 November 2026. The Cabinet also formally accepted the government's intention to designate Cornwall Council as a unique single Foundation Strategic Authority.
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Extra Care - Site Disposals, Grant Thresholds and Call-Offs
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the disposal of three extra care sites and the methodology for grant thresholds. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director for Safe and Caring Communities to award call-off contracts and offer grant funding within agreed thresholds. The decision was made on 23/09/2026.
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Regional End-to-End Fostering Recruitment and Retention Reform Programme
Recommendations ApprovedCornwall Council's Cabinet decided to approve in principle joining the End-to-End Fostering Recruitment and Retention Reform Programme. The final decision on membership was delegated to the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Schools. This decision was made on 23 September 2026.
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His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services Inspection Report for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the Inspection Action Plans resulting from the His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services inspection of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service on 23 September 2026. The decision included the approval of the Inspection Action Plans.
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CQC Local Authority Inspection Report and Continuous Improvement Plan Framework
Recommendations ApprovedCornwall's Cabinet decided to approve recommendations on 23/09/2026. The Cabinet welcomed the CQC inspection outcome and noted the findings, the Council's response including the Adult Social Care Continuous Improvement Framework, and the recommendations of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Delivery and oversight of continuous improvement remain delegated to the Strategic Director for Safe and Caring Communities.
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Cornwall Council Commercial Strategy
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cornwall Council Cabinet approved the draft Cornwall Council Commercial Strategy 2026-2030 on 23 September 2026. The decision was to approve the draft strategy as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
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Local Plan - consultation on Scoping Report
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cornwall Council Cabinet approved recommendations for the Local Plan - consultation on Scoping Report on 23 September 2026. Authority was delegated to the Service Director for Planning and Housing to publish and consult on the Scoping Report and draft Vision for the new Cornwall Local Plan. This included adopting the proposed timetable and Engagement Strategy, and allocating Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy funds to parishes with an adopted Neighbourhood Priority Statement.
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SEND Local Area Inspection Report and Post Inspection Action Plan
Recommendations ApprovedCornwall Council's Cabinet approved recommendations on 23 September 2026 regarding the SEND Local Area Inspection Report and Post Inspection Action Plan. The Cabinet noted the inspection findings and endorsed the Post Inspection Action Plan as the mechanism for improvement. Delivery is under way and progress will be monitored through established governance arrangements.
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Independent Advocacy Business Case and Contract tender
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cornwall Cabinet approved the All-Age Independent Advocacy Outline Business Case and agreed to proceed with the tender for the new service on 23 September 2026. Authority was delegated to the Service Director for People Commissioning, in consultation with portfolio holders, to award the contract. The decision included approving the integrated model for an all-age advocacy service and its procurement in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023.
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Director of Public Health Annual Report 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to endorse the contents of the Director of Public Health Annual Report 2026, "Mental Health and Wellbeing: Why Prevention Matters and What We Can Do," on 23/09/2026. Cabinet supported in principle the strategic priorities and actions proposed by the Director of Public Health and committed to promoting mental health and wellbeing as a whole-council responsibility. The decision included embedding mental health and wellbeing considerations into council policies, shifting effort towards prevention and early intervention, adopting trauma-informed approaches, addressing wider determinants of mental health, and strengthening community connection and resilience.
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