The Cabinet of Cornwall Council met on Friday 13 February 2026 to discuss a range of significant financial and strategic matters, including the Council's performance, budget proposals, housing plans, and air services. Key decisions included the approval of the Council Priorities Plan 2026-2030, a significant increase in Council Tax, and a new Housing Revenue Account Business Plan.

Council Performance Report 2025/26 (Q3)

The Cabinet reviewed the Council Performance Report for the third quarter of 2025/26, which highlighted persistent cost pressures on the revenue budget, forecasting an overspend of £9.1 million. Significant pressures were noted in Children's Social Care, with a forecast overspend of over £18 million, and in Adult Social Care, with a forecast overspend of £10.7 million due to increased demand. Despite these challenges, the report also noted positive performance in areas such as affordable housing delivery, reductions in households in emergency accommodation, and progress on climate action, including the planting of 1.7 million trees. The Cabinet approved several resolutions related to the report, including budget virements, uplifts, and the write-off of certain amounts, and noted the Treasury Management update.

Council Priorities Plan 2026-2030

The Council Priorities Plan for 2026-2030 was presented, with the Leader of the Council, Councillor Leigh Frost, emphasising the importance of delivery following public consultation. The plan, along with the Climate and Energy Action Plan and the Nature Recovery Action Plan, was recommended for approval by the Council. Discussions during this item included concerns about the consultation process for the Climate and Energy Plan and a request for further detail on resident feedback regarding green initiatives.

Newquay to London Air Services Public Service Obligation

A significant discussion took place regarding the Newquay to London Air Services Public Service Obligation (PSO). The Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration and Investment, Councillor Tim Dwelly, explained that no valid bids had been received for a new four-year contract. The Council's priority is now to secure a commercial route to London City Airport, which would better serve business needs. While the absence of a PSO would create a budget saving, there would be additional airport costs in the first year. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on airport revenue and alignment with net-zero commitments. Following a private session to discuss confidential financial details, the Cabinet resolved to note the outcome of the procurement process and agreed that future air connectivity should be developed on a commercial basis, led by Cornwall Airport Ltd.

Housing Revenue Account Business Plan, Medium Term Financial Budget and Rent Setting for 2026/27

The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Councillor Peter La Broy, introduced the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan for the coming year. The plan commits an additional £40 million over four years for improvements to the housing stock, including health and safety works, repairs, empty homes, disabled adaptations, and energy efficiency measures. Rents are set to increase by CPI + 1% (4.8%) in line with government guidance. The plan also includes a request for General Fund support, recognising housing as critical social and economic infrastructure. The Cabinet resolved to delegate authority for grant applications and the purchase of new homes, and recommended the approval of the HRA Business Plan and budget for 2026/27 to the Council, including the rent increases.

Cornwall Council Comprehensive Spending Review: Budget Proposals 2026/27 to 2028/29

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Resources, Councillor Adam Paynter, presented the budget proposals for 2026/27 to 2028/29, highlighting the challenging financial position and the need for a 4.99% Council Tax increase, which includes the Adult Social Care precept. The Council faces a requirement to identify £59 million in savings for 2026/27. The proposed budget includes significant investment in Together for Families and adult social care, as well as in waste, transport, housing, economic growth, and environmental services. The Cabinet recommended the approval of the Council Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan proposals to the Council, including the Council Tax increase and the Annual Treasury Management Strategy. Discussions during this item covered various concerns, including the impact of reduced government funding on rural areas, the Council's accreditation as a Living Wage Employer, and the financial implications of climate-related budget proposals.

2025/26 Adult Skills Update and 2026/27 Adult Skills Commissioning Plan

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration and Investment, Councillor Tim Dwelly, presented an update on adult skills. While government funding for Skills Bootcamps has been significantly reduced, Cornwall's devolved adult skills and free courses for jobs funding has increased. The Council intends to adopt a more locally responsive approach, focusing on learner benefits, widening qualification ranges, and increasing provision for English for Speakers of Other Languages. The Cabinet approved the 2026/27 Adult Skills Commissioning Plan and delegated authority for its implementation.

Leader's Announcements

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Leigh Frost, began the meeting by paying tribute to Councillor Kevin Towill, who had recently passed away. He also shared positive reflections on attending the Celtic Forum in Glasgow, highlighting discussions on shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration between Celtic nations. Councillor Frost also noted the success of the recent Tourism Summit, which demonstrated a strong sense of positivity and commitment from stakeholders in Cornwall's visitor economy. Finally, he highlighted the formal adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child by Cornwall Council, underscoring the commitment to ensuring children's rights and voices are central to Council decisions and service delivery.

Questions from the Public

Two questions were received from members of the public. Dr M Lindsey of Truro asked about the Council's plans to address risks identified in the National Emergency Briefing and a government report concerning biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and national security, particularly in building resilience and ensuring the sustainability of vital supplies. The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Loic Rich, responded that the Council's existing Climate Change Risk Assessment closely echoes these concerns and that protecting and restoring nature is fundamental to Cornwall's resilience. He outlined the Council's ongoing work on climate and nature, including embedding climate risk into decision-making and investing in nature-based solutions.

Mr P Kerridge of Bodmin questioned whether the current web contract for the Visit Cornwall website had been competitively tendered. The Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Localism and Planning, Councillor Sarah Preece, confirmed that the contract was awarded as a direct award following receipt of a formal written quote, in accordance with the Council's Contract Procedure Rules and the Procurement Act 2023. She explained that the contract involved more than just web hosting, including back-end functionality, infrastructure management, and GDPR compliance, and that the contractor had ensured the website remained functional and secure during a critical period when Visit Cornwall went into administration.