Cornwall Council's Cabinet committee will meet this morning with a busy agenda including the approval of balanced budget for the next two years, £10 million for heritage and housing projects, a new Equality, Inclusion and Diversity charter and the adoption of the authority’s Climate Emergency Development Plan.
The draft budget, which will now go before full council for final approval, would see Cornwall Council’s part of the Council Tax bill increase by 2.99%, with an additional 2% levy which will be ring-fenced for Adult Social Care services.
The budget has protected the support available for those struggling to pay, and remains one of the lowest Council Tax bills across the South West region, with an average Band D property’s rate increasing by £1.65 per week.
You can follow live coverage of the meeting below.
10am: The meeting is underway. Cllr Linda Taylor is making her announcements, acknowledging the difficult budget process, and welcoming the balanced budget.
10.07am: We are now hearing questions from the public, with a query on possible exemptions for any premium for Council Tax on second homes.
10.11am: We now move onto the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry - 2023-2024 Revenue Estimates and Capital Programme. Cllr Donnithorne is introducing the paper, and acknowledges the effect inflation has had on the predicted income rates for the coming years.
10.26am: Cabinet is now looking at the Revised Parking Tariff Structure, which will change the complex current system with over 100 different tariffs with a new, simpler scheme involving three zones. It is aligned to climate change policies, and will be put out for public consultation, Cllr Donnithorne tells the meeting.
10.31am: Cllr Donnithorne has proposed two changes for zone B parking rates, which would see parking for two hours reduced from £2.40 to £2, and three-hour parking reduced from £3.60 to £3. He tells the meeting it will help support town centre vitality.
10.39am: Cllr Monk has asked for assurances that the new policies will be enforced effectively. Cllr Donnithorne says that the enforcement team is in a position to be able to make sure that any issues are tackled effectively.
10.51am: Questions from members have focused on individual areas so far, including Penzance and Looe. Cllr Donnithorne emphasises that the forthcoming public consultation will allow for all local issues to be raised and considered.
11.20am: The next item on the agenda is the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan, Medium Term Budget and Rent Setting for 2023-2024 with associated funding decisions and changes to the way Cornwall Housing Limited is commissioned. Cllr Monk will introduce the report.
11.38am: Cabinet is considering a report into a £10 million Government grant, which will go towards heritage projects including the Royal Cornwall Museum and housing developments in St Austell, Bodmin, Liskeard and Truro.
The report is being introduced by Cllr Linda Taylor, who explains how the money was secured as part of the recent devolution deal negotiations between Whitehall and Cornwall Council but is guaranteed even if the deal does not get ratified.
11.55am: Cabinet will now consider one of the key items in the council's calendar - the Council Business and Financial Plans 2023-2027 and Budget 2023/24.
The draft budget, which will go before full council for final approval, would see Cornwall Council’s part of the Council Tax bill increase by 2.99%, with an additional 2% levy which will be ring-fenced for Adult Social Care services.
Cllr David Harris has outlined the budget, among the key points of the proposals are:
*A net increase of around £26 million on Adult and Children care services
*Sufficient funding to continue to invest in new technology to improve customer services
*£98 million to invest for the future on new school places and school repairs
11.59am: Cllr Harris tells Cabinet that the decision to raise Council Tax by 2.99% with an extra 2% levy for Adult Social Care was not an easy choice, but vital for protecting the essential services the council provides.
12.26pm: The Cabinet has approved the draft budget, and now moves onto the Adoption of the Climate Emergency Development Plan. The item is being introduced by Cllr Olly Monk, who begins by thanking officers who have worked to get the proposals drawn up so quickly.
12.35pm: Cabinet is now considering the Community Network Review: The Future of Cornwall’s Area Partnerships.
1.19pm: The final item on today's agenda is the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2022-2026.
The strategy sets out how the authority plans to ensure it offers equal opportunities for everyone living or working in Cornwall, regardless of their background.
1.20pm: Cllr Linda Taylor welcomes the new strategy, telling Cabinet that it is a vital component of the council's work to ensure its residents can start well, live well and age well.
1.32pm: Today's meeting has now concluded, with all agenda items approved unanimously by the Cabinet.
