The Cornwall Council met on Tuesday 25 November 2025, discussing a range of important issues including the council's stance on mandatory digital IDs and the allocation of seats on various committees. Key decisions included mandating the Leader to write to the Home Secretary condemning mandatory digital ID plans and approving the allocation of seats across committees based on group representation.

Cornwall Council Says No to Mandatory Digital ID

Cornwall Council has resolved to oppose the government's plans for mandatory digital identification. The motion, proposed by Councillor Connor Donnithorne and seconded by Councillor Drew Creek, mandates the Leader of the Council to write to the Home Secretary expressing the council's condemnation of these proposals. The decision reflects concerns that such a system could be used for control rather than solely for managing illegal immigration, as suggested by the Prime Minister.

Allocation of Seats

The council approved the allocation of seats across various committees. This decision, moved by Councillor Leigh Frost and seconded by Councillor Paul Ashton, ensures that representation on committees reflects the political balance of the council. The detailed breakdown of seat allocation, as outlined in Appendix 1 of the supplementary agenda pack¹, shows how seats are distributed among the different political groups, including the Liberal Democrats, Labour and Co-operative Group, Conservative Group, Reform UK, Mebyon Kernow Group, Green Party Group, and the Cornish Independent Nonaligned Group.

Northern Ireland Veterans

A motion was passed requesting the Leader to write to the Secretary of State for Defence, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Veterans and People). Proposed by Councillor Martyn Alvey and seconded by Councillor Paul Cador, the motion calls for an address to the health and wellbeing concerns of veterans regarding the revision of Northern Ireland Legacy legislation. The aim is to ensure that no Northern Ireland veterans are prosecuted for actions taken during 'Operation Banner' (1969-2007) while combating terrorism.

Cornwall Harbours Board and Maritime Service Budgets and Charges

The council approved the budgets for the Cornwall Harbours Board and Maritime Service for the financial year 2026 to 2027. Councillor Luke Rogers proposed, and Councillor Martyn Alvey seconded, the resolution to approve the budgets for the respective ports and harbours as detailed in the report. Additionally, the council approved the dues, fees, and charges for the Cornwall Harbours Board and Maritime Service for the same financial year.

Review of Governance Arrangements for Council-Owned Entities

The council resolved to implement proposed changes to Article 21, concerning the governance arrangements of council-owned entities, with immediate effect. This decision, moved by Councillor Dick Cole and seconded by Councillor Jordan Rowse, includes several amendments to the protocol. These amendments cover the purpose of the entities, the eligibility of officers and members to serve on Boards with associated training requirements, the inclusion of a glossary of key terms, clarification of the role of scrutiny, and a review of governance arrangements by the Corporate Finance and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee within 12 to 18 months. Authority has also been delegated to the Head of Commercial Assurance to make minor amendments to the protocol.

Council Procedure Rule 4.2.2 - Allocation of Substitutes

An amendment to Council Procedure Rule 4.2.2 regarding the allocation of substitutes was approved. Proposed by Councillor Dick Cole and seconded by Councillor Jordan Rowse, the amended rule outlines the options for a member unable to attend a committee meeting, including arranging for a validated substitute from their group or joining remotely in a non-voting capacity. The rule clarifies that if a substitute is appointed, the substantive member may not attend the meeting. The Constitution will be updated to reflect this change.

Independent Remuneration Panel: Review of Members' Allowances

The council approved a recruitment and selection process for at least two new members of an Independent Remuneration Panel. Councillor Rob Nolan moved, and Councillor John Thomas MBE seconded, the resolution. Once convened, the panel will be tasked with reviewing and making recommendations to the Council on the Members’ Allowances Scheme for the 2027-28 financial year onwards.

Questions from the Public

Six questions were received from members of the public. The council resolved that copies of the replies to these questions would be sent to the questioners. The questions covered a range of topics including councillor defections, the protection of religious groups, farming policy, recruitment at Newquay Airport, noise abatement notices, and digital IDs.

Questions from Members to Members of the Cabinet

Several questions were raised by members to members of the Cabinet. Councillor Dan Rogerson will write to Callywith College regarding safety concerns with its bus contract. The Leader will discuss the use of rubber crumb in the Football Foundation Truro Sports Hub development with Councillor Karen La Borde. Councillor Peter La Broy will investigate with Cornwall Housing Limited whether they recognise tenants who maintain their properties well and report back to Councillor Steven Webb. Councillor La Broy will also share a letter and response concerning the current house building target for Cornwall Council. Councillor Hilary Frank confirmed she would raise the matter of puberty blocker trials at the next meeting of the Corporate Parenting Board.

Support the Housing Revenue Account

A motion to support the Housing Revenue Account, proposed by Councillor Kate Ewert and seconded by Councillor Julian German, was referred to the Cabinet in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.4.

Cornwall Council to Discontinue Mandatory EDI/DEI Policy

A motion to discontinue the mandatory EDI/DEI policy, proposed by Councillor Roger Tarrant and seconded by Councillor Jamie Hanlon, was referred to the Cabinet.

Appointment of Employee Representative

Emma Causer was appointed to the Pensions Committee as an Employee Representative. This decision was moved by Councillor Mike Thomas and seconded by Councillor Mark Burnett.