The Constitution and Governance Committee of Cornwall Council met on Tuesday 6 January 2026 to discuss several key procedural and policy matters. The committee approved changes to terminology, including replacing Chairman with Chair, and revised rules for debating motions to allow for more discussion at Council meetings. They also recommended that elected members receive training on mobile phone usage and the provision of a second SIM card.

Use of 'Chairman'

The committee approved a recommendation to replace the term Chairman with Chair throughout the council's documentation and communications, with the exception of instances where statutory legal compliance requires the use of Chairman. This change was made to promote equality and diversity. The committee also resolved to review the Local Government Act 1972 to consider further representations to the government regarding the use of the term Chairman. Councillor Nicky Chopak proposed the change, seconded by Councillor Kevin Towill.

Review of Council Procedure Rule 12 - Motions on Notice

The committee recommended to Council that Council Procedure Rule 12.4 be amended to allow for more motions to be debated. Under the proposed changes, motions relating to executive functions would be advisory and not binding on the Cabinet or individual Cabinet Members, though they would inform future decisions. Advisory motions on non-executive functions could be debated and approved at Council or referred to the relevant committee. The committee also recommended amendments to Council Procedure Rule 12.5 to ensure that the Cabinet, individual Cabinet Member, or Committee reports back to the Council within six months of a motion being voted on. To support effective agenda management, the committee recommended parameters including closing meetings at 6:00 pm, prioritising statutory business, allocating up to three hours for motions, and giving the Chair discretion in ordering motions in consultation with Group Leaders. Councillor Jordan Rowse moved the recommendation, seconded by Councillor Nicky Chopak. Councillor Dick Cole seconded a further recommendation regarding parameters for agenda management.

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

The committee recommended to the Cabinet Member for Resources that elected members receive appropriate training and guidance on mobile phone usage, including the use of the Microsoft Teams Voice-Activated Directory. They also recommended that the means by which members can obtain a second phone or SIM card for accessibility, mental health, or safeguarding needs be better publicised. This recommendation was moved by Councillor Jordan Rowse and seconded by Councillor Jack Yelland.

Minutes of the Meeting Held on 4 November 2025

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 4 November 2025 were confirmed as correctly recorded and were signed by the Chairman. This was moved by Councillor Dick Cole and seconded by Councillor Jordan Rowse.