The Cabinet of Cornwall Council met on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, to discuss a range of significant issues including a corporate peer challenge, local plan updates, business plans for council-owned companies, and the council's investment and budget proposals. The meeting also covered plans for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and proposed changes to off-street parking.

Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge 2026

Leigh Frost, Leader of the Council, presented the findings of the Local Government Association's Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) conducted in January 2026. The peer team spoke with over 120 individuals, including councillors, officers, and external partners. The report highlighted nine key recommendations, including planning for the capacity demands of becoming a Single Foundation Strategic Authority, reflecting on the scale of ambition versus capacity, and establishing financial contingency plans for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) costs. The report also noted strengths such as Cornwall's strong sense of place, the calibre of its members and officers, and excellent partnerships. An action plan responding to the recommendations was endorsed, with authority delegated to the Chief Executive to finalise and oversee its implementation.

Proposed Cornwall Foundation Strategic Authority, Spatial Development Strategies, Local Government Reorganisation and other public sector reforms

Leigh Frost, Leader of the Council, introduced a report proposing that the Cabinet accept, in principle, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government's intention to explore designating the Council as a Single Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA). This aligns with previous Council motions advocating for a Cornwall-only devolution settlement and reflects Cornwall's national identity. The report also provided information on reforms to policing, with the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners in 2028, and the local government reorganisation proposals in Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay. The Cabinet was recommended to accept the designation in principle, which would not require a change to the Council's governance model to a directly-elected mayor.

Local Plan Update - Final Interim Report on Local Plan progress, including Baseline report, recommended timetable, process and next steps

Sarah Preece, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Localism and Planning, presented an update on the Local Plan progress. The report outlined the interaction between a Local Plan and a Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), with the intention to use the SDS to address strategic issues and growth distribution, while the Local Plan would focus on detailed site allocations. The Council proposed that Cornwall be considered the sensible geography for an SDS, aligning with its potential FSA status. Authority was delegated to the Service Director for Planning and Housing to publish notices and timetables to initiate formal stages of work on a Local Plan for Cornwall, and to respond to the government consultation on SDS geographies. An additional £1.2 million from the Place & Green Growth reserve was proposed to support programme costs.

Council Owned Companies Business Plans 2026-2030 - Cornwall Housing and Celtic Sea Power

Adam Paynter, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Resources, presented the business plans for Cornwall Housing Limited (CHL) and Celtic Sea Power (CSP). The CHL business plan outlined ambitions for improvements across the housing stock, including a 10% uplift for health and safety works and increased funding to reduce empty homes. Rents were proposed to increase by CPI + 1% (4.8%) in line with government guidance. CSP's business plan focused on maximising returns on investment and achieving financial sustainability through income streams such as grants and consultancy. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director for Sustainable Growth and Place to submit grant applications for CHL and approve acquisitions up to £3m. The Cabinet was recommended to approve the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan and budget for 2026/27, including the rent increases.

Investment Plan for Kernow Industrial Growth Fund

Tim Dwelly, Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration and Investment, presented the Investment Plan for the Kernow Industrial Growth Fund (KIGF). This fund provides £30 million to Cornwall to grow distinctive sector strengths in renewable energy, critical minerals, space, and marine innovation. The plan outlines a commissioned, investment-led approach, prioritising private sector leverage. The KIGF will be allocated across three strategic growth areas: the Cornwall Catalyst Fund (£10m - £15m), the Asset and Growth Partnerships Fund (£12m - £17m), and Enabling Activity (£3m revenue). Cornwall Council will act as the accountable body for the fund. Authority was delegated to the Service Director for Economy, Regeneration and Assets to agree the final wording of the Investment Plan submission and to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Government.

Corporate Asset Management Strategy

Tim Dwelly, Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration and Investment, presented the draft Cornwall Council's Corporate Asset Management Strategy (CAMS) for 2026-2029. This strategy aims to provide a consistent and coordinated approach to managing the Council's land and building assets to support service delivery, financial sustainability, housing, regeneration, and place-based outcomes. It establishes asset management as a core corporate function, ensuring assets are used actively and deliberately. The strategy is aligned with Cabinet's priorities and longer-term ambitions, including the Good Growth Plan and climate change targets. Authority was delegated to the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer, for the development and implementation of appropriate governance arrangements for the delivery of the CAMS.

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

Thalia Marrington, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Public Health, presented the draft Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for 2026-2030. The plan, developed following extensive consultation, outlines priorities for preventing incidents, protecting people and property, and responding effectively to emergencies. Key risks identified include road traffic collisions, fires in homes and businesses, environmental and coastal risks, and pressures from tourism. The plan details strategies for prevention, protection, and response, alongside workforce development and resource modernisation. Cabinet was asked to approve the draft CRMP for publication.

Proposed Off-Street Parking Places Order 2026

Dan Rogerson, Portfolio Holder for Transport, presented the proposed Off-Street Parking Places Order 2026. The report detailed changes to parking charges in all Cornwall Council chargeable car parks to reflect rising operational costs and inflation, and to support traffic management. Proposals included the removal of the 2-3 hour tariff in long-stay car parks, the conversion of Tolcarne Road in Newquay and Trengrouse Way in Helston to long-stay car parks, and the conversion of Cattle Market in Liskeard to short-stay. The report also outlined the removal of Broadsyard, Downderry from the Order, the introduction of motorhome prohibitions and charges in specific locations, and adjustments to the JustPark Wallet minimum spend. The Sustainable Growth and Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee had reviewed the proposals and resolved not to recommend their approval to Cabinet. Cabinet was asked to approve the making of the Off Street Parking Order 2026.

The meeting also included agenda items for Leader's Announcements, Questions from the Public, and Minutes of the Meeting Held on 13 February 2026, which were scheduled for discussion. Additionally, there were provisions for Any Other Business that the Chairman Considers to be of Urgency and the exclusion of the press and public for confidential business.