The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board met on Friday 10 January 2025, approving recommendations on the Housing Analysis and Homelessness Strategy, and noting updates on the Prisoners Building Homes Programme and the English Devolution White Paper.

Housing Analysis 2024 and Homelessness Strategy

The Board endorsed the progress made on the Preventing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, the 2024 Housing Analysis document, and the establishment of a Preventing Homelessness Partnership Board. They also noted the intention to advertise for a new non-Council chair of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Strategic Housing Group in 2025-26. Councillor Olly Monk, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing, presented the report, highlighting the significant housing pressures in Cornwall, with over 21,000 households on the housing register and more than 900 families in temporary or emergency accommodation. The updated Homelessness Strategy aims to provide a clear, coordinated approach to tackling homelessness, with a vision that no one in Cornwall should be homeless and when it is experienced, it is rare, brief and not repeated. The 2024 Housing Analysis document, prepared in partnership with the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Strategic Housing Group, provides key indicators to track progress and inform future policy.

During the discussion, a request was made for a more detailed breakdown of homelessness demographics, and it was confirmed that approximately half of the households in temporary accommodation are families. The figure for veterans supported by the service would also be provided. The Probation Service has been involved in workshops, and their potential inclusion on the Homelessness Partnership Board will be reviewed. Concerns were raised that the Housing Analysis figures predated the government's revision of housing targets, and the Strategic Housing Group will analyse the impact of the increased target of 4,400 homes. It was noted that Cornwall Council is consistently in the top five local authorities for affordable homes delivered, and its planning process is not a barrier, but rather site-specific issues like land remediation affect viability. The Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly highlighted the severe housing crisis on the islands, with significantly higher build costs and no investment funds for new homes. The detrimental economic effect of housing struggles was also discussed, with the Portfolio Holder acknowledging the squeeze on building project viability due to rising costs, but noting efforts to re-engage with registered providers and house builders.

Prisoners Building Homes Programme

The Board welcomed the Prisoners Building Homes Programme, described as a fantastic example of collaboration and a real win-win that offers skills, homes, and opportunities for prisoners and prison leavers, helping to reduce reoffending and tackle the housing crisis. Alison Hernandez, Portfolio Holder for Homes and Community Safety, and the Programme Manager presented information on the programme's background, funding, current projects, and benefits. It was confirmed that no sites are currently in the pipeline for Cornwall, but previous offenders are employed, and those on probation are referred to housing providers for potential employment post-release. The Strategic Housing Group will provide a response to the next Leadership Board meeting regarding the extension of the scheme to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

English Devolution White Paper - Power and Partnership: Foundations for Growth

The Board received an update on the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024. Councillor Linda Taylor, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy, reflected that the White Paper makes it clear that the government will only devolve significant powers and funding to Mayoral Strategic Authorities serving populations of over 1.5 million people. Devon, Torbay, and Plymouth councils have expressed interest in forming such an authority with Cornwall, creating a population of 1.8 million. Cornwall's MPs, including Perran Moon MP and Noah Law MP, met with the Deputy Prime Minister to discuss the White Paper, who explained that Cornwall could either engage early in the process for a Combined Authority and Mayor, or remain at the Foundation Level, with no guarantees for a Cornwall-only footprint.

During the discussion, Perran Moon MP expressed his belief that devolution decisions should be made by Cornwall Councillors only, and that combining with Devon would lack public support. He emphasised Cornwall's unique national minority status and suggested waiting for other devolution deals to be agreed before approaching the government. Councillor Taylor stated her preference for a Cornwall-only devolution deal but acknowledged the difficulty in aligning this with the government's vision. Jayne Kirkham MP also favoured a Cornwall-only deal but expressed concern about the potential gains and losses of combining with Devon, pledging to seek clarification. The Vice-Chairman of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board confirmed that the Board's geographical coverage would not align with a combined Cornwall and Devon authority. The Chairman of the Economic Forum acknowledged the risk of Cornwall not having a seat in the emerging Industrial Forum but stressed the need for Cornwall to advocate for its growth opportunities, particularly in marine, renewables, and critical minerals.

Residents' Survey 2024 - Cornwall Plan 2050 Measures

The Board noted the verbal update on the Residents' Survey 2024, which includes performance measures aligned with the Cornwall Plan 2050. Councillor Taylor highlighted the council's commitment to listening to residents and acting in their best interests. During the debate, reference was made to the Cornwall Youth Council's presentation of the 2024 Make Your Mark survey results, reminding members not to overlook the views of young people. Reduced satisfaction levels in community-related survey questions were noted, and the Chairman of the Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum offered support for further work on these issues. Consultation with Community Area Partnerships and partner organisations is anticipated in the coming weeks.

Strategic Briefing from Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Executive Group Meeting on 9 December 2024

The Board noted the verbal update from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Executive Group, which brings together senior executive leaders to foster collaboration and support shared priorities. The Chairman of the Executive Group highlighted the collective leadership demonstrated by members. An update was provided on the Civic University Agreement, with six-monthly review meetings tracking progress against objectives including green futures, healthy futures, fair futures, and creative futures. Conversations are ongoing with Plymouth Marjon University regarding a similar agreement.

Notes of Meeting Held on 15 November 2024

The notes of the previous meeting held on 15 November 2024 were agreed. The Chairman confirmed that an email with a link to the Anchor Institution self-assessment survey had been sent to Board Members, with a deadline of 31 January 2025 for submissions. The Board was pleased to see that analysts from partner organisations would be developing performance metrics to track the collective impact of work and health programmes. The Chairman also noted the confirmation of an additional £47.3m in Shared Prosperity Funding for 2025/26, thanking Cornwall's MPs, particularly Jayne Kirkham MP, for their efforts. However, the provisional financial settlement for Cornwall Council was £5.2m less than expected, necessitating urgent work to bridge the budget gap. This reduction was attributed to the government repurposing the Rural Services Delivery Grant into a Recovery Grant, largely benefiting metropolitan councils, which has caused concern for the Rural Services Network. The Chairman expressed hope that working with Cornwall's MPs would ensure a more favourable final settlement.