What we do and how we work
Cornwall Council is a unitary authority created on 1st April 2009. We merged Cornwall County Council with the six Borough and District Councils of Cornwall - Caradon, Carrick, Kerrier, North Cornwall, Restormel and Penwith.
The Council has a revenue budget of over £1bn, with 87 local Councillors representing the 550,000 residents of Cornwall, delivering services to every community across the County.
Our mission; Working w.....
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-here/what-we-do-and-how-we-work/
Last updated: 04/07/2025 10:20:30
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Advice for businesses on commercial waste and the law
Running a holiday let or business from home?
It's illegal for businesses to dispose of commercial waste using the Council's household waste services.
All businesses, no matter how small, must pay a licenced commercial waste collector.
The law applies to:
holiday lets
small businesses run from home
all types of commercial waste no matter how small the amount
You also need to follow these rules if you rent out
a room in.....
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling-and-waste/commercial-waste-services/advice-for-businesses-on-commercial-waste-and-the-law/
Last updated: 29/01/2026 16:19:58
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Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board
Organisations represented on the board
The Leadership Board
brings together the leaders of organisations across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Through the board they work together to progress ambitions, and address challenges facing the area.
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board is made up of representatives from:
Cornwall Council
Council of the Isles of Scilly
Police and Crime Commissioner
Cornwall Assoc.....
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/the-council-and-democracy/cornwall-and-isles-of-scilly-leadership-board/
Last updated: 17/03/2026 16:32:17
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Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a way of creating and improving natural habitats. Developers must deliver a BNG of 10%. This means a development will result in more or better quality natural habitat than there was before development.
In England, BNG is now a national requirement set by government and is mandatory from: - 12 February 2024 for major developments - 2 April 2024 for all minor and other applicable applicati.....
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-advice-and-guidance/biodiversity-net-gain-bng/
Last updated: 02/04/2026 08:19:57
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The open electoral register
About the register
We keep two registers:
the full register
the open register (also known as the edited register).
Anyone can buy the open register and use it for any purpose.
Opt out of the open register
You can choose to "opt out" so thatyour name and address are excluded from the open register.Removing your details from the open register does not affect your right to vote.
Remove my details from the open register
Ple.....
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/the-council-and-democracy/elections/the-open-electoral-register/
Last updated: 23/10/2025 11:16:47
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Mental Capacity Act
The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) was updated in 2005. It applies to everyone involved in the care, treatment and support of people aged 16 and over. They must be living in England and Wales, and unable to make all or some decisions for themselves.
The act ensures that:
It empowers those who lack capacity to make as many decisions for themselves as possible.
Any decision made or action taken on their behalf considers their b.....
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/schools-and-education/special-educational-needs/send-strategies-and-policies/mental-capacity-act/
Last updated: 23/02/2026 11:27:10
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Our Projects and Activities
There are many ways the children's rights approach will be embedded throughout the Council.
Examples of work to date
Cornwall Youth Council
Cornwall Youth Council was launched in April 2022. It is a group of young people who want to make a difference in Cornwall. The Youth Council’s goal is to empower children and young people in Cornwall and advocate for their needs and views.
The current Youth Council, elected in March.....
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/childrens-services/childrens-rights/our-projects-and-activities/
Last updated: 26/05/2026 09:42:50
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Parking fines and enforcement
If you have recently received a Penalty Charge notice and wish to make a challenge or appeal, and you have online access please use the appeal form.Make an appeal onlineYour case will be placed on hold until you receive a response.
We enforce parking restrictions on public roads and in Council car parks.
Most people park safely and legally, but if they don't, penalty charge notices can be issued. Our civil parking enforce.....
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/transport-parking-and-streets/parking/parking-fines-and-enforcement/
Last updated: 02/12/2025 16:11:12
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Use your voice to support nature across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
Residents are being asked to have their say on what, where and how nature recovery should take place across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as a new strategy is launched today (July 18, 2023).
Cornwall Council is leading on creating a new Local Nature Recovery Strategy for the region in partnership with the Local Nature Partnership and the Council of the Isles of Scilly.
The government has awarded £14m to councils .....
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/environment-culture-and-planning/use-your-voice-to-support-nature-across-cornwall-and-the-isles-of-scilly/
Last updated: 18/07/2023 14:47:49
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Community-Led Housing
Community-led housing is about giving local people a leading role in addressing the need for affordable housing in their area. Local communities are coming together to plan, design and often manage their own developments. With the aim of creating affordable homes for the people that need them the most.
There are several ways that community-led housing projects can happen:
Homes can be developed or owned by a community la.....
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/housing/affordable-housing/community-led-housing/
Last updated: 18/11/2025 11:18:58
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