The Cornwall Council meeting scheduled for 20 January 2026 was set to discuss a range of important matters, including the allocation of seats to political groups, the designation of a Section 151 Officer, and recommendations from the Constitution and Governance Committee regarding council procedure rules and the use of terminology. The meeting also included several motions proposed by councillors on topics such as trial by jury, support for local businesses, and NHS dentistry. Additionally, public questions were scheduled to be addressed, covering issues from road closures to airport management.

Allocation of Seats

The council was scheduled to consider the allocation of seats to political groups, a process required by law to ensure representation reflects the council's membership. This report, detailed in the Allocation of Seats - Report and Appendix 1, aimed to reflect changes in group numbers following a recent by-election. The Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and associated regulations require that seats on committees are allocated to political groups in proportion to their membership of the council.

Designation of Section 151 Officer

A key item on the agenda was the designation of the Council's Section 151 Officer, also known as the Chief Financial Officer. The report, Designation of Section 151 Officer - Report, proposed Annabel Scholes for this statutory role, in addition to her appointment as Chief Operating Officer. This role is crucial for ensuring the lawfulness and financial prudence of decision-making, the administration of financial affairs, and providing professional financial advice. The council is legally obliged to appoint such an officer.

Recommendations from the Constitution and Governance Committee

The meeting was scheduled to consider recommendations from the Constitution and Governance Committee on two key procedural matters.

Review of Council Procedure Rule 12 – Motions on Notice

The committee recommended changes to Council Procedure Rule 12, concerning motions submitted for debate. The proposed amendments, detailed in the Review of Council Procedure Rule 12 - Motions on Notice - Report, aimed to allow more motions to be debated at council meetings. Motions relating to executive functions would be advisory, not binding on the Cabinet, but intended to inform future decisions. The report also proposed parameters for agenda management, including a meeting closure time of 6:00 pm and a three-hour allocation for motions, with any undiscussed motions to be referred to the relevant body. Appendices 1, 2, and 4 provided benchmarking information from other councils and proposed constitutional changes.

Use of Chairman

The committee also recommended a change in terminology, proposing that the term Chairman be replaced with Chair throughout the council's documentation and practice, as detailed in the Use of Chairman - Report. A note would be included in the Constitution to clarify that where legislation refers to Chairman, it should be interpreted as Chair for equality and diversity purposes, except where statutory compliance requires the use of the term Chairman. Appendix 1 provided a comparative overview of how other councils approach this terminology.

Motions

Several motions were scheduled for discussion:

Cornwall Council Says it Values Trial by Jury

Proposed by Councillor Kevin Towill and seconded by Councillor Louise Blackman, this motion, detailed in the Cornwall Council Says it Values Trial by Jury - Report, called for the Leader to write to the Home Secretary condemning proposed government plans to restrict trial by jury. It also aimed to affirm the council's support for jury trials and urge the safeguarding of this fundamental component of the justice system. Appendix 1 provided context on the government's proposed reforms.

Cornwall Council Supports Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Businesses in Cornwall

Proposed by Councillor James Mustoe and seconded by Councillor Martyn Alvey, this motion, outlined in the Cornwall Council Supports Retail Hospitality and Leisure Businesses in Cornwall - Report, urged the Leader to write to the Chancellor regarding the impact of measures announced in the Autumn Budget 2025 on Cornwall's Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) sector. The motion requested the government to reverse the end of existing RHL business rates relief, consider increasing the discount for hospitality, and delay business rates revaluation levels. It also sought recognition of the sector's contribution to Cornwall's economy and for the council to provide guidance to affected businesses. Appendix 1 provided a briefing note on the business rates reform.

Cornwall NHS Dentistry

Proposed by Councillor Rosie Moore and seconded by Councillor Nicky Chopak, this motion, detailed in the Cornwall NHS Dentistry - Report, called for the Leader to write to the Government and NHS England seeking fairer funding for dentistry initiatives in Cornwall, including a proposed NHS dental teaching clinic pilot in Wadebridge. It also requested the Director of Public Health to facilitate partnerships to support such initiatives and explore the use of council property for future clinics. Appendix 1 provided a briefing note on the current situation and constitutional considerations. A letter from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care was also included, responding to previous concerns about dental services in Cornwall.

Questions from the Public

A session was scheduled for questions from the public, as detailed in the Questions from the Public - Report and Appendix and the Supplementary Agenda Pack - Questions from the Public 20th-Jan-2026 10.30 Cornwall Council.pdf. Topics raised included:

• Road closures due to mine workings in Beacon.
• The impact of Labour's proposed business rate increases on local businesses.
• Progress on the transfer of bus depots and stations to Go Cornwall and service frequency.
• The establishment of a Public Transport Passengers Forum.
• Cuts to bus services and the potential restoration of hourly services.
• Allegations of mismanagement at Newquay Airport.