Cornwall Council plays a big part in people’s lives, and every year, we spend over a billion pounds providing public services that you, your family and friends use every day.
Increased demand and rising costs for statutory services, such as emergency accommodation provision, services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Adult Social Care are causing considerable financial pressures on local authorities across the UK. Cornwall Council is no exception. The increased costs far outstrip the increased funding announced in the Government’s Autumn Budget and the additional income we will receive through the introduction of doubling council tax on Second Homes (the 100% Council Tax Premium on Second Homes).
Therefore, although the Council manages its finances prudently, there is still a significant shortfall to be addressed. This means difficult choices must be made to balance the books.
Our Business Plan is based on a clear mission for Cornwall Council of working with communities for a carbon neutral Cornwall, where everyone can start well, live well and age well.
Our priorities, shaped by our residents and young people to make Cornwall:
- A brilliant place to be a child and grow up
- In a thriving, sustainable Cornwall that offers a secure home, a decent income and a great environment for all
- With vibrant, safe, supportive communities where people help each other live well
- All supported by an empowering and enterprising Council that delivers great value for money
Our draft budget proposals reflect these priorities. We are now seeking views on our plans to deliver these priorities within the budget available to us. Our proposals build on the actions we have already taken to tackle the housing crisis, turbo-charge our economy, and make Cornwall the first place in the UK to be net carbon neutral.
To have your say on our draft budget and the priorities we outline in our Business plan then please fill out our surveys on our Let's Talk Cornwall website.