The Corporate Finance and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Cornwall Council met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to discuss a range of significant financial and strategic matters. Key topics included the council's overall performance for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, the proposed 'Belonging in Cornwall' strategy for a fair and inclusive Cornwall, and the business plans for council-owned entities. The committee also reviewed the council's stewardship of resources and considered proposals for a Single Foundation Strategic Authority designation.

Questions from Members to Cabinet Members on their Reports

Members of the committee had the opportunity to ask questions of Cabinet members regarding their respective reports. These reports covered various areas of council activity and performance.

Face to Face Customer Services Task & Finish Group

The committee received an update on the work of the Face to Face Customer Services Task & Finish Group. The group has been reviewing the council's approach to face-to-face customer services, aiming to establish a consistent and accessible model for residents. The report outlined recommendations for a two-tiered framework for face-to-face support, including enhanced Tier 1 access at council buildings and a Tier 2 signposting offer through various public buildings and partner organisations. It was recommended that all front-of-house colleagues receive consistent training aligned with the Council's Customer Philosophy. A pilot of enhanced Tier 1 support at Chi Austel was proposed, alongside the establishment of clear escalation routes for urgent needs and exploration of a video link service. Ownership and accountability for this work were recommended to sit with the Head of Customer Experience.

Belonging in Cornwall – Our Strategy for a Fair and Inclusive Cornwall

The committee was presented with the draft 'Belonging in Cornwall' strategy, which outlines Cornwall Council's equality objectives and ambitions for 2026-2030. This strategy aims to fulfil the Council's responsibilities under the Public Sector Equality Duty and give expression to its FAIR values: Fairness, Ambition, Inclusion, and Respect. The strategy is structured around three themes: Cornwall Council working in partnership with others, Cornwall Council as a provider of services, and Cornwall Council as an employer. It includes five high-level objectives mapped to these themes, with a one-year action plan for delivery. The committee was asked to endorse the draft strategy as the basis for a public consultation period.

Council Owned Entities Business Plans

The committee reviewed the business plans for Cornwall Housing Limited and Celtic Sea Power Ltd for the period 2026-2030.

Cornwall Housing Limited (CHL) presented its four-year business plan, focusing on improving the condition of managed homes to ensure they are safe, warm, and decent. This plan is supported by significant additional investment into property maintenance. Key themes include Solid Basics (ensuring appropriate working practices and resources), Safe Homes (effective repairs, safety, and household needs), Right Culture (addressing staff behaviour and attitude), Knowing Our Residents and Communities (tailoring services based on insight), and Work Smarter (improving efficiency and exploring AI). The plan acknowledges the financial challenges and prioritisation required, aiming for significant improvements in home conditions by 2030.

Celtic Sea Power (CSP) presented its four-year business plan, outlining its purpose to maximise the economic opportunity of floating offshore wind (FLOW) for Cornwall. CSP's strategy focuses on commissioned delivery, diversified service lines, and proportional growth to achieve financial sustainability. Key activities include providing interface, integration, and implementation services across the FLOW industrial ecosystem, such as data services (Sealspy™), development services (Marine Coordination Centre), supply chain support (Piranha Plus), and workforce development (FLOWmark®). The plan acknowledges the shift from grant funding to commercial revenue and aims to leverage its assets and intellectual property.

Council Performance Report 2025/26 (Q3)

The committee received an overview of the Council's performance for Quarter 3 (October to December 2025). The report highlighted a projected year-end revenue overspend of £9.1 million, primarily driven by increased costs in Children's and Adult Social Care. Mitigations have been implemented to manage this overspend. Key positives included a resilient economy, continued affordable housing delivery, reductions in emergency accommodation use, progress in climate action, and the formal adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Areas of concern included high placement costs for children and young people, rising demand and complexity in adult social care, and potential risks to transport provision due to a commercial bus operator's withdrawal. The report also detailed performance across various directorates, including Sustainable Growth & Place, Community Wellbeing, Customer & Corporate Services, Together for Families, and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service. Performance of Council Owned Entities, including Celtic Sea Power, Treveth, Corserv, Cormac, and Cornwall Airport, was also summarised.

Stewardship of Resources

The Chief Executive, Kate Kennally, provided an overview report on the Council's Stewardship of Resources for the calendar year 2025. This report, presented using a balanced scorecard approach, covered performance against the business plan, resident/customer experience, workforce, and finance. It drew on data from resident and staff surveys, financial monitoring, and benchmarking against similar local authorities. The report also referenced the recent Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge, the findings of which were also provided. The committee had the opportunity to ask questions and identify areas for further consideration in the council's work programme.

Single Foundation Strategic Authority

The committee considered a report recommending the acceptance, in principle, of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government's proposal to explore designating Cornwall Council as a Single Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA). This designation aligns with Cornwall's distinct local identity and national minority status, and supports the request for a Cornwall-only Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) footprint. While current FSA powers are limited, the report noted the potential for future devolution and the alignment with government policy on strategic planning geographies. The report outlined the rationale for accepting the designation in principle, including its accord with previous council motions on devolution and its potential to strengthen Cornwall's voice and influence.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, election of a Vice-Chairman, declarations of interest, and the minutes of the previous meeting. An opportunity for public questions was also allocated. The committee was also asked to consider a resolution to exclude the press and public for specific items due to the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to financial or business affairs.