Cornwall Council’s Cabinet has approved the Annual Report for 2025/26, which sets out progress made over the past year.
The report was presented to Cabinet just five weeks after the end of the financial year and outlines work carried out across the Council, including in housing, transport, adult social care, children’s services, economic regeneration, waste and recycling, culture, planning, and public safety.
Cllr Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council, said the report marked almost 12 months of the administration, and showed that the Council remained focused on delivering the priorities shaped by residents.
“This Annual Report shows the breadth of work Cornwall Council has delivered over the past year, and the progress we are making on the priorities residents helped shape,” he said.
“We do not claim to be perfect, and we will always hold our hands up when we get things wrong. But this report shows that far more has gone right over the last 12 months than hasn’t.”
Cllr Frost added that the report represented the work done by all 87 members of the Council.
“This reflects the collective achievements of councillors, officers and partners across Cornwall, and I hope everyone involved can take pride in what has been delivered during a challenging year.”
Cllr Frost also highlighted the administration’s commitment to Cornwall as the UK’s “fifth nation” - proud of its Celtic heritage and shaped by its pioneering history, but firmly focused on the future.
He also pointed to recent milestones including the Government’s decision to upgrade protection for the Cornish language to Part III of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, and proposals for a unique Single Strategic Authority status for Cornwall Council.
“Cornwall is distinct, with its own identity, language, history and ambitions. Over the past year we have made real progress in making sure that distinction is recognised,” he said.
“That matters because Cornwall’s future must be shaped around Cornwall’s needs, opportunities and potential.”
During the meeting, Cabinet members highlighted achievements from across their portfolios, including the response to winter storms and heavy rainfall, the new Carers Strategy, Cornwall securing Ageing Well status, and automatic enrolment for eligible children receiving free school meals.
Mention was also made of the Kernow Industrial Growth Fund, a £30 million fund, backed by Government and commissioned by Cornwall Council, designed to unlock around £70 million of further investment into Cornwall.
Cllr Adam Paynter, Deputy Leader of Cornwall Council, said: “The Annual Report shows the scale of work being delivered across Cornwall Council and the progress made over the past year.
“Our challenge now is to continue delivering for the people of Cornwall by improving the daily lives of each and every one of our residents, and making the best use of every pound we spend.”
Cabinet also considered Cornwall’s Road Safety Strategy, which was unanimously supported.
Introducing the strategy, Cllr Dan Rogerson, Cabinet Member for Transport, said it was important to remember the issues at the heart of the report and the huge effect road safety can have on people.
Cllr Rogerson said: “Road safety is about people, families and communities. Every serious collision has a lasting impact, and this strategy is about working with partners to make Cornwall’s roads safer for everyone.”
Cabinet also considered proposals relating to taxi zones. Following discussion, members agreed to defer a decision on changes to allow further work to be carried out and to better understand the potential impact on the taxi trade and communities.
Published on May 6, 2026