Here is a summary of the items scheduled for discussion at the Cornwall Council meeting on 16 September 2025, according to the agenda and associated reports. It is important to note that this summary is based solely on the meeting agenda and associated documents, and I do not have any information on what was actually discussed or decided during the meeting.

The meeting included a number of motions, recommendations from committees, questions from the public, and other business.

Questions From The Public

Several questions from the public were scheduled to be addressed to members of the cabinet. These included:

• A question from Mr Kimber of St Austell regarding an update on the multi-million pound deal for Newquay Airport.
• A question from Mr Hurley of Hayle, regarding the progress of a Land Review that was commissioned in response to concerns about good-quality land being lost to Solar Farms.
• A question from Mr Brown of Mevagissey, asking if the Council has an operational plan in place to assume new powers should Cornwall be granted Fifth Nation status.
• A question from Mr Toms of Looe, about fair funding across Cornwall, and why the council is subsidising the Mid Cornwall Metro and Newquay Airport.
• A question from Mr Smith of St Mabyn, asking whether the council will organise a referendum to let Cornwall decide its own future regarding devolution.

Motions

Six motions were put forward for consideration:

Trial Parking Tariff Adjustment – Launceston Cattle Market (Short Stay) Car Park

Councillor Rowland O'Connor, seconded by Councillor R Parsonage, proposed a 12-month trial at the Launceston Cattle Market (Short Stay) Car Park, setting the tariff at £1 for up to 3 hours of parking.

The intention of the motion was to encourage visitors to stay longer, supporting independent shops and cafés, reduce the perception of overly punitive parking charges and contribute to high street regeneration and vitality.

A briefing note included in the agenda pack noted that the Strategic Director for Sustainable Growth and Development had expressed concerns that the scheme may create a reduction in vehicle turnover and income. The note also stated that:

In the parking industry it is well documented and researched that lower or free parking tariffs are not linked to town vitality, and in many situations can have a detrimental impact on parking and traffic within a community.

Keep Cornwall Clean!

Councillor James Mustoe, seconded by Councillor Connor Donnithorne, proposed that the council continue to work with Clean Cornwall¹ and volunteer community groups across Cornwall to refresh and promote a Duchy-wide litter strategy.

The intention of the motion was to keep beaches, verges and public spaces clean and tidy for everyone to enjoy, all year round.

A briefing note included in the agenda pack noted that the Head of Waste and Community Protection had stated that:

This motion builds upon the valuable work already undertaken by the Council and its partners, reinforcing our shared commitment to delivering positive outcomes for our communities.

Working to End the Sewage Scandal

Councillor Ruth Gripper, seconded by Councillor Jim Candy, proposed a motion stating that the council believes Cornwall's natural environment is a precious asset which requires protection for future generations, and that the council shares public concern about sewage pollution affecting Cornwall's rivers and beaches.

The motion also proposed that the Leader of the Council write to the new Chief Executive of South West Water² to establish urgent commitments and timescales to improve infrastructure and reduce sewage discharges in Cornwall, ensure that South West Water are engaged in work on the Cornwall Local Plan, convene a water summit bringing together South West Water, environmental charities and community campaigners, and appoint a Water Quality champion from among the membership of the council.

A briefing note included in the agenda pack noted that Cornwall Council is nationally recognised as a leader in taking action for climate and nature, and that in 2023, Cornwall Council Members passed a Motion for the Ocean : a programme of work across the Council to ensure ecologically healthy seas and to consider how the ocean is accounted for in planning and decision-making.

Safeguarding Cornwall Council's Farms Estate

Councillor Adrian Parsons, seconded by Councillor James Ball, proposed that, given their positive contribution to Cornwall's economy and communities, the Cornwall Council's farms estate be safeguarded and protected against any form of wholesale disposal.

A briefing note included in the agenda pack noted that the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Investment, Councillor Tim Dwelly, issued a statement to the farm tenants on 21 August 2025 which stated:

Our farms estate provides a positive contribution to Cornwall's economy and communities, and this should be acknowledged and celebrated.

The briefing note also stated that the motion appears to pre-empt the work of the Sustainable Growth and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, who had agreed to undertake a task and finish review of the Council Farms Service.

Provision of Mobile Phones or a Second Sim Card to Elected Members

Councillor Pete Mitchell, seconded by Councillor Kate Ewert, proposed that mobile phones or a second sim card (whichever is most suitable) are provided for elected members by the Council to support them in their roles if they so request.

The intention of the motion was to allow members to achieve a better work/life balance and better enable work planning, and to address safeguarding issues caused by having private phone numbers publicly available.

A briefing note included in the agenda pack noted that the current custom and practice is the Chairman and Vice-Charman of the Council, as well as Cabinet Members, can request and be issued with a Council managed smartphone due to the nature of their Special Responsibilities.

Reverse the Decision to Increase Parking Charges by CPI 2025

Councillor Connor Donnithorne, seconded by Councillor Jane Pascoe, proposed that the council regrets the decision to increase parking tariffs in September 2025 by CPI (6%), and calls on the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Transport to reverse the decision.

A briefing note included in the agenda pack noted that the price increase is expected to generate an additional £360,000 this financial year, and that this additional revenue will go towards mitigating the shortfall in the Parking Services budget.

Recommendations from Committees

The council was scheduled to consider several recommendations from committees:

Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The council was to consider a recommendation from the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee to co-opt one named Healthwatch Cornwall representative (with one unnamed substitute) on to the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee as an ex-officio member.

Standards Committee

The council was to consider a recommendation from the Standards Committee to approve the Standards Committee Annual Report 2024-25.

The Standards Committee Annual Report - Appendix 2 noted that during the reporting period there have been 127 formal ethical standards complaints that have been received by the Council, this is as against 181 complaints which were made the previous year, 2023 – 2024 and 134 for the year 2022 - 2023.

Licensing Act Committee

The council was to consider a recommendation from the Licensing Act Committee to approve the revised Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 - Street Trading Policy Review.

The Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1982 - Street Trading Policy Review - Report noted that a full public consultation has now taken place in respect of the Council's Street Trading Statement of Practices, Procedures and Policy.

Audit Committee

The council was to consider a recommendation from the Audit Committee to appoint Elizabeth Seale as a non-voting Independent Lay Member of the Audit Committee for an initial period of four years and thereafter, subject to confirmation by Council at the appropriate time, on a two-year term.