Council Committee Action Tracker

Councillor Keeling to provide a written response to Councillor German on the outcome of the Customer and Support Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee resolution in June 2023 that the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committees be asked to undertake reviews on the financial pressures reported in respect of emergency and temporary accommodation, home to school transport, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and Children's Social Care Services.

New Housing Complex - Padstow

Councillor Taylor to consult with Councillor Monk on the shared ownership position with regard to the above and whether it could be returned to social/affordable rent as previously envisaged and to provide a written response to Councillor Rushworth.

Replacement of Kerbstones

Subject to Councillor Frost providing the location of the kerbstones in question Councillor Williams-Pears to confirm the process for and cost of replacement.

Pydar Regeneration

Councillor Harris to provide a written update to Councillor Rich on progress since the Council agreed a £10m uplift to the Capital programme for the project.

Devon and Cornwall Police Advocates Scheme

Councillor Taylor to raise with the Police and Crime Commissioner the potential for some meetings of the Scheme to be held in Cornwall.

Reduction in Essential Flood and Coast Protection - Harbour Reserve Funding

Councillor Harris to provide a written response to Councillor Frost about the reason for the reduction in the Essential Flood and Coast Protection - Harbour Reserve Funding

Impact on council tax payers of servicing debt

Councillor Harris to provide a written response to Councillor La Broy about the impact to the council taxpayer of every £1 which goes to service debt for the period 6 May 2021 - 16 July 2024

Solar Canopy at County Hall

Councillor Harris to provide a written response to Councillor Rich on the costs of the installation of the solar canopy at County Hall, causes of delay and timescale for completion

Community Infrastructure Levy

Subject to an email being received from Councillor Fitter confirming the full query, Councillor Williams-Pears to provide a written response in respect of £2.1m for Railtrack

Fair Deal for Cornwall: Proposer: Councillor C Martin; Seconder Councillor Toms

Cornwall Council calls on the Leader, Cornwall's six MPs and the Government to work together to ensure that Cornwall Council receives at least the national average per-capita / per dwelling / per pupil for:

• overall Council funding (total spending power, which includes Public Health and Public Transport)
• each line of dedicated funding (e.g. Education; Special Educational Needs & Disabilities; Early Years; Housing & Homelessness; Police) 

And that across total Government Spending, Cornwall receives at least the England Average per-person for both revenue and capital spending.

Consideration to be given to assessing the performance of this procurement strategy with quarterly reports on success of the focus on local suppliers against the Tendering Thresholds on page 41 (of the agenda).

1. That the Leader of the Council writes to the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care and Cornwall's six MPs, to request prompt, strong legislation for the conditions under which vapes, and e-cigarettes are available to children and those under 18 years of age, through:

I. Ensuring the intended ban on the sale of e-cigarettes and vapes to those under 18 becomes legislation without delay.

II. Requiring retail shops and businesses that sell e-cigarettes and vapes to be licensed, in line with the law applicable to alcohol and tobacco.

III. Controlling the packaging and display of vapes to conform with the restrictions currently applicable to cigarettes and tobacco.

IV. Increasing the penalty for selling non-compliant vapes and the sale of vape products to persons knowingly un the legal age of sale.

V. Bearing in mind the original purpose of vapes was to remove the temptation to start smoking, the supply and sale of flavoured vapes should be banned, and only vapes containing nicotine should be available to those who wish to vape; and

2. That Cornwall Council investigates adding resource to the public health team to combat smoking and vapes and their effects through the MTFP and Budget Process.

(i) Full Council urgently commences a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of pension credits. This will include use of council noticeboards, social medial, promotion in local press and also targeted letters to those who may be eligible.

(ii) Full Council endorses the letter sent by the Leader to the Chancellor of the Exchequer

(iii) Full Council regrets the decision of Cornwall's 4 Labour MPs to vote with the Labour Government to remove Winter Fuel Payments from over 100,000 Cornish pensioners, including many vulnerable residents and requests the Leader to contact all MPs representing Cornwall, requesting their formal support to halt the changes to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.

(iv) Options for the use of council finance including, targeting unclaimed hardship funds to fuel poverty, support to Community Energy Plus and Citizens Advice Bureau, are explored and a report made to the Deputy Leader for decision.

(v) A report be presented to Cabinet considering revenue generated from the additional second homes council tax being ringfenced to finance a £100 million whole house retrofit rollout catalyst fund across Cornwall.

(iv) Full Council supports the position from the Conservative manifesto that the new Government should protect and maintain all current pensioner benefits, including free bus passes, Winter Fuel Payments, free prescriptions and TV licenses.

(i) The Leader be requested to write to the Secretary of State for Education calling for her to:

• address the issue of fairer funding for SEND Services, and work to east financial pressures on the production of EHCPs, focusing on the work of the f40 Group and formula 2 funding for schools.
• address the funding deficit of pupils in Cornwall, who receive many thousands of pounds less per pupil compared to other parts of the country.

(ii) The Leader be requested to contact all MPs representing Cornwall, asking them to apply pressure on government to address the issues raised in this motion.

Road Accident, Southgate Street, Redruth

Councillor Donnithorne to meet with Councillors Barnes and Ellenbroek to discuss potential safety packages and proposals in respect of this Electoral Division. 

Empty Property - No. 1 Penhallow Close

Councillor Monk to investigate the situation with the above property and provide a written update to Councillor German.

Collapse of ISG

Councillor Gardner to provide a written response to Councillor Frost on the potential impact of the collapse of ISG in respect of SPF Funding and Bid projects.

Pay Banding of Parking Enforcement Officers

Councillor Donnithorne to receive a report on the pay banding of parking enforcement officers and provide a written response to Councillor Candy.

Anti-social Behaviour Hotspot

Councillor Mould to provide a written response to Councillor Nolan as to the reasons why the area around New County Hall and Sainsbury's has been identified as a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.

Use of Non-Disclosure Agreements by Multi-Academy Trusts

Subject to Councillor C Martin providing her with the relevant information, Councillor Ellenbroek to investigate this matter and respond.

Cornwall Housing Limited

Subject to Councillor Rogerson providing the detail in relation to large trees causing issues for families, Councillor Monk to investigate and respond.

Councillor Monk to provide a written response to Mr Williams' supplementary question referring to the actions of the Welsh Government's housing quality standard and why Cornwall Council could not do something similar along with a timeline for the proposed new Decent Homes Standard.

Subject to Mr Redgewell emailing in his supplementary question relating to bus service improvements, Councillor Donnithorne to provide a written reply.

That the Leader of the Council writes to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the 6 Cornwall MPs, to outline the Council's dismay at the decision in the Budget to restrict Agricultural Property Relief and calls on the Government to stop the Family Farm Tax.

That the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change engages with local farmers and community representatives to consider what support the Council can provide to support them.

A progress update is provided to all Councillors, following the motion of 23rd May 2023 "Supporting Cornwall's Farmers"

Response will be added soon.

That Cornwall Council provides an assessment of the number and percentage of Cornish farms which may be affected by the measures, subject to officers confirming the resources are available to undertake such assessment.

Loss of Agricultural Land - Cumulative Total

Councillor Monk to share with Councillor Long the information he holds in respect of the loss of agricultural land as a result of planning decisions on solar and other developments.

Turning off/Dimming of Streetlights

Councillor Donnithorne to provide an update to Councillor Rich (copied to all Members) on the programme of turning off/dimming of street lights, including whether all lights would be replaced with LEDs and any potential impacts to wildlife etc. of such a move.

Supported Housing

Councillor Monk to provide a written update to Councillor Candy on the number of families with support needs and the Council's actions to provide more supported housing.

End of Subsidy - Bude

Councillor Harris to arrange a meeting with Councillor La Broy in respect of the end of the levy on the car park in Bude used to subsidise the public toilets and whether this could be tapered.

Winter Fuel Payments - Action from Council, 24 September 2024

The Leader to confirm to Councillor Desmonde whether the agreed action to write to the Cornish MPs requesting their formal support to halt the changes to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility had been undertaken and any response received.

Carpet Removal by Housing Associations

Councillor Monk to investigate the position of registered providers in respect of the removal of carpets/floor covering from properties ahead of the arrival of new tenants and confirm to Councillor Barnes.

Wildanet

Councillor Gardner to provide an update to Councillor M Thomas on the Wildanet Contract and Project Plan.

Town Accelerator and Delivery Funds - Launceston

Subject to Councillor Paynter sending the documentary information on the issue, Councillor Gardiner to explore the options in respect of whether flexibility on completion dates was possible.

Cutbacks to HS2 and New Government Funding Announcements

Councillor Donnithorne to provide a written response to Councillor C Martin on the impact of the savings from the cutbacks to HS2 and the new Government Funding announcements on the delivery of road improvements/maintenance in Cornwall and how much remained outstanding.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.4, the Chairman referred the motion (Critical A30 Safety Upgrade at Plusha Junction Accident Blackspot) to the Cabinet because of the significant financial implications set out in the briefing note and because the subject matter was one which fell within its responsibilities.

Response - Critical A30 Safety Upgrade at Plusha Junction.

Cornwall Council writes to the National Trust's Chief Executive, the Cornwall lead and the Board of Trustees, requesting that, in view of the housing crisis, the National Trust considers using all the holiday properties they have in Cornwall (that meet the minimum size requirements for a dwelling and do not have any planning or other legal restriction preventing them from being used as permanent homes) as long term lets.

Cornwall Council writes to all significant landowners in Cornwall to ask them to consider if they can change any of their properties from short-term to long-term lets (that meet the minimum size requirements for a dwelling and do not have any planning or other legal restriction preventing them from being used as permanent homes) and to support us in our efforts to tackle Cornwall's housing crisis. 

Cornwall Council:

• Confirms its full support of the content of the letter seeking a greater autonomy and devolution for Cornwall, sent to the Deputy Prime Minister in September, which was signed by representatives of all political groups on the unitary authority and all six of Cornwall's MPs.
• Welcomes the efforts of Cornwall's six MPs in continuing to make the case for devolution to Cornwall as a stand-alone political unit.
• Notes that the UK Government has just published it's, "English Devolution White Paper", which does not include specific proposals for Cornwall.
• Confirms that elected Members will not countenance any cross-border combined authority deals.
• And further calls for a meaningful devolution settlement for Cornwall, which properly reflects Cornwall's national identity and the national minority status of the Cornish.
• This Council also writes again to The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and other relevant ministers seeking a meeting with a cross-party delegation from Cornwall Council.

Superfast Broadband

Councillor Gardner to provide a written response to Councillor Long in respect of the roll out of Superfast Broadband where a company was refusing to connect residents and quoting a highways notice which does not exist.

Highways Network - Provisions for Icy Weather

Councillor Donnithorne to provide a written response to Councillor Mustoe on the financial provisions for icy weather and the link to the policy on salting which explains the prioritisation process.

Spaceport

Councillor Gardner to provide a written response to Councillor Fitter (copied to all Members), following his briefing at Newquay Town Council, on the position with regard to being close to a new contract for launch.

Waste Contract

(ii) Councillor Mould to provide a written response to Councillor Saunby in respect of the delivery of wheelie bins being carried out by a company from Great Yarmouth rather than a local company.

Cllr Rogerson has been updated and appropriate action is being taken to support residents.

Waste Contract

(ii) Councillor Mould to provide a written response to Councillor Saunby in respect of the delivery of wheelie bins being carried out by a company from Great Yarmouth rather than a local company.

Response will be added soon.

Housing Crisis - Local Authority Housing Fund

Councillor Monk to provide a written response to Councillor German on how much Cornwall Council's bis was from Round Three of the Local Authority Housing Fund

Residents Parking, Truro

Following his meeting with the parking team, Councillor Donnithorne to feedback to Councillor Nolan the outcomes in respect of the above.

Councillor Monk to provide information to Councillor Frost on the terms and conditions of responsibilities for maintenance of garages.

Councillor Rich to provide a valuation of all Harbours under the control of Cornwall Council to Councillor Fitter.

Superfast Broadband - St Dominic

Councillor Worth to arrange to meet with Councillor Long and residents to discuss the issues being experienced in the area.

Maintenance and staffing of Farms Estate

Councillor Alvey to provide a written response to Councillor Parsons on the approach to maintenance of the farms estate and also the staffing support, in terms of Land Agents, for the estate.

Good Growth Fund

Councillor Gardner to provide a written response to Councillor Fairman on the staffing arrangements for the Fund, in terms of redundancies and the level of posts involved.

Adult Education Centre Closures

Councillor Harris to provice a written response to Councillor Dwelly (copied to all Members) in respect of the number of staff who were on zero-hours contracts; why they were on these contracts and the recompense (and associated rationale) they had received.

Increase in Housing Numbers

Councillor Monk to provide Councillor Nolan with an update on any engagement with other local authorities on the impact of increased housing requirements and the potential for lobbying Government in this respect.

Surf Schools

Subject to Councillor La Broy providing the specifics of the issue in respect of surf schools being charged fees for parking in Bude/Widmouth Bay, Councillor Donnithorne to prove a written response on the rationale.

Loss of Agricultural Land to Solar Farms

Councillor Taylor to provide a written update to Councillor J Mitchell on the protection of grade 3 land following the previous motion to Council.

Pencalenick School - Withdrawal of discretionary funding for SEN residential provision.

Further information on the public consultation and number of children affected by the potential withdrawal of funding to be provided to Councillor Mustoe to help him respond to email correspondence received. 

Clarification to be provided to Cllr Rogerson with regards to potential levelling up funding for a children's nursery at Lanivet.

A briefing paper to be circulated on continence products and school nursing

Links to be sent to Members for Neurodiversity Hub webpages

Results of the ABA Trial to be shared with Members.

To circulate the compliments and complaints report to the Committee.

The number of children home schooled across Cornwall to be circulated to the Committee.

Can the Leader please provide the Committee with feedback from the business meeting that she recently attended in Leeds. Was the meeting successful?

Can the Leader please provide the minutes and a transcript from her meeting with the Ukrainian ambassador? What took place and are there any pending agreements?

A response to be provided to Councillor Keeling's question, "if there were a need to bring people back into the office on a large scale, has this been considered?"

A response to be provided to Councillor German in regard to his point about the Green Travel Plan and the opportunity to use demand responsive pricing for car parking.

Information from the results of the People Survey regarding staff empowerment and welfare/overworking to be shared with the Committee.

To circulate the briefing note from the Cabinet Member for Transport.

To provide a briefing paper on the number of homes with planning consent within Cornwall (including affordable homes) that had not been delivered (split between local authority and private sector), the Government's future policy of unlocking such sites and implementing compulsory purchase orders (CPOs).

The Managing Director, Newquay Airport agreed to provide data from benchmarking work done on other airports to Cllr Frost, with a copy provided to the Committee.

Clarification was sought on the reasons for cancelling monthly bus passes as it had a negative impact on Cornish tax payers who now faced a £30 increase in fares.

A written response to be provided to Cllr Frost, with a copy provided to the Committee in respect of the above question. 

Cllr Perry and Dwelly requested information on the sectors where jobs had been created and the geography of those jobs to be circulated to the Committee.

Cllr Frost requested details on the number of applications received from CIC organisations.

Clarification was sought on the possibility of utilising CIL to support projects. Phil Mason to liaise with Louise Wood.

Councillor Donnithorne to liaise with Phil Mason and Vicky Fraser on the issues regarding the road network at Plusha and recent consultation and email Councillor Long in this respect.

Councillor Donnithorne to provide Councillor Widdon with an update on what has been achieved and next steps on the issues set out in the Business Plan regarding "Improve Transport Infrastructure and Services".

Councillor Donnithorne to circulate to the Committee the communication outlining the Government's intention with regards to providing guidance on ANPR.

That the legal judgements on car parks being considered for transfer be circulated to the Committee for information.

To provide the Cabinet Member for Children and Families details of the knowledge based industries available in Cornwall together with geographic area.

To circulate to the Committee the final outcomes and outputs at the end of March

To circulate to the Committee information on whether maths and English were a requirement for apprenticeships.

To circulate details of the number and trends of construction/maintenance apprenticeships available across Cornwall Council, Treveth and Registered Housing Associations.

To ascertain construction inflation in Cornwall compared to the rest of the Country.

To provide Councillor Widdon with the overall spend on the housing PODs at Penryn.

To provide assurance that disabled residents would be able to use disabled parking permits at Corserv operated car parks.

The National Storm Overflow Action Plan

This is held on the WaterUK website and sets out our overall programme to reduce the operation of storm overflows as directed by Government. This plan is for the period 2025 to 2040 and will deliver the commitments laid down by Government 10 years ahead of their target of 2050. You can use this link to filter your queries and zoom into areas of interest as you see fit. 

Link: National Storm Overflows Plan | Water UK

WaterFit Live

This is held on our South West Water website and provides ‘in near real time’ information on the operation of all of our storm overflows across South West Water’s region. This was a requirement of Government and again, South West Water have provided this ahead of targets to provide transparency and to enable members of the public to make informed choices regards what rivers and beach they choose to go to.

Link: WaterFit Live | Rivers and bathing waters | South West Water

South West Water, Council enquiries email address: councilenquiries@pennon-group.co.uk

The Chairman referred to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to be introduced to Parliament and reminded the Board of its commitment to the Smoke free Pledge as discussed at its meeting 26 October 2023.  She advised that she would be sending a letter to the local MPs in Cornwall asking that they vote for this Bill.

Response - letter to Cornish MPs regarding.

Potential links between gaming and high sugar drinks be investigated.