A new adult education plan, a new approach for commissioning housing and care homes for vulnerable residents and a plan to create a smoke-free generation in Cornwall by 2030 were all on the agenda when Cornwall Council’s Cabinet committee met today.
The meeting, which took place at County Hall in Truro at 10am, also discussed the Provisional Outturn Report for 2023/24, which suggests a much-improved financial position for the authority compared to six months ago.
The report detailed the financial position for the council at the end of the last financial year, and reports an overspend of £3.145 million, down from a predicted £14.9 million at the end of quarter two. A further report proposed adjustments to the 2024/25 Budget to mitigate the risk of overspends continuing in high demand, high-cost services.
Also before the cabinet was the Annual Report for 2023/24, which highlights the achievements of the previous year, and looks forward to 2024/25.
One of the achievements highlighted for the past twelve months was the successful negotiation of a new level two devolution deal for Cornwall, which included new powers to devolve the adult education budget to Cornwall.
As a result of that, a new Adult Education Budget Strategic Skills Plan has been drawn up, and was approved unanimously by the Cabinet.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Linda Taylor, leader of Cornwall Council, said: “The ability to control our adult education budget will enable us to realise the potential of our residents, communities, and businesses, through high-quality learning that will inspire and create opportunities for all.
"This new plan will allow us to commission learning that encourages the growth of our employer’s needs, builds on our assets and aims to improve health and wellbeing. This will provide the opportunity to access or progress in good quality jobs.
"I am delighted we were able to approve it today, alongside other important initiatives to support our most vulnerable residents to access the housing they need, and to create a smoke-free generation in Cornwall by 2030.
“These are all steps in our ambition to grow a carbon-neutral Cornwall where everyone is able to start well, live well and age well, and shows how this administration is continuing to deliver for our residents.”
You can watch a recording of today’s meeting online via our webcast archive.
