The Community Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Cornwall Council was scheduled to discuss several key items, including the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service's Community Risk Management Plan for 2026-2030 and the refresh of the Safer Cornwall Partnership Plan for 2025-2028. The committee was also set to consider the renewal of the Public Spaces Protection Order concerning dogs on beaches. Additionally, members were scheduled to receive updates from Cabinet Members on their respective portfolios.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service Community Risk Management Plan 2026-2030

The committee was scheduled to review the draft Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for 2026-2030. This plan, a statutory requirement, outlines how the service will identify and manage foreseeable fire and rescue-related risks within Cornwall over the next four years. It details the service's priorities, including community safety, workforce development, sustainability, resource management, and continuous improvement. The plan has been developed following extensive consultation with the public, partners, and stakeholders, with the aim of ensuring the service is effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of Cornwall's communities. The committee was asked to consider the consultation findings and recommend the draft CRMP to the Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health for approval.

Safer Cornwall Partnership Plan 2025-2028 Refresh

The committee was also scheduled to discuss the refresh of the Safer Cornwall Partnership Plan for 2026/27. This plan serves as Cornwall's multi-agency crime and disorder reduction strategy, aiming to reduce the impact of crime and disorder and improve the quality of life for residents. The refresh takes into account updated evidence from the community safety strategic assessment, consultation with partners, and feedback from residents. The plan is structured around six key outcomes: safer communities and public spaces; tackling domestic and sexual abuse; reducing harms linked to drugs and alcohol; supporting those at risk of exploitation and violence; fostering compassionate communities; and standing against hate crime. The committee was asked to recommend the refreshed plan for approval to the Strategic Director for Community Wellbeing.

Renewal of Public Spaces Protection Order: Dogs on Beaches 2026

A significant item on the agenda was the proposed renewal of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) concerning seasonal dog restrictions on Cornwall's beaches. The current PSPO, which expires in April 2026, requires review and renewal every three years. The report detailed the consultation process undertaken, which included feedback from residents, dog owners, non-dog owners, town and parish councils, and businesses. The consultation revealed differing views, with dog owners generally favouring reduced restrictions and non-dog owners seeking increased restrictions. The report outlined a preferred option, Option 4, which proposed maintaining current restrictions for beaches with Blue Flag and Seaside Award status (15 May to 30 September, 10:00 to 18:00) and for other beaches without these awards (1 July to 31 August, 10:00 to 18:00), with year-round restrictions remaining at Carnsew Pool, Copperhouse, and Hayle Estuary. The committee was asked to recommend this preferred option to the Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health.

Questions from Members to the Cabinet Member on their update

Members of the committee were scheduled to have the opportunity to ask questions to the Cabinet Members for Community Safety and Public Health, Environment and Climate Change, and Tourism, Localism and Planning. This agenda item allows scrutiny committee members to seek clarification and further information on updates provided by the Cabinet Members, which were included in the public reports pack. These updates covered a range of activities and focus areas within each portfolio.