Cornwall Council approves 2025/26 Annual Report and future priorities

What does a year of running Cornwall actually look like on paper? Cornwall Council’s Cabinet has just signed off the Annual Report for 2025/26, and the document lands barely five weeks after the financial year ended, faster than these things usually appear.

The report covers work across housing, transport, adult social care, children’s services, economic regeneration, waste and recycling, culture, planning, and public safety.

A year in review

Council Leader Leigh Frost said the report marked almost 12 months of the administration and showed the Council remained focused on delivering the priorities shaped by residents.

“This Annual Report shows the breadth of work Cornwall Council has delivered over the past year, and the progress we are making on the priorities residents helped shape,” he said.

“We do not claim to be perfect, and we will always hold our hands up when we get things wrong. But this report shows that far more has gone right over the last 12 months than hasn’t.”

Leigh said the report represented the work done by all 87 members of the Council.

“This reflects the collective achievements of councillors, officers and partners across Cornwall, and I hope everyone involved can take pride in what has been delivered during a challenging year.”

Cornwall as the “fifth nation”

Leigh also highlighted the administration’s commitment to Cornwall as the UK’s “fifth nation”, proud of its Celtic heritage and shaped by its pioneering history, but firmly focused on the future.

He pointed to recent milestones including the Government’s decision to upgrade protection for the Cornish language to Part III of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, and proposals for a unique Single Strategic Authority status for Cornwall Council.

“Cornwall is distinct, with its own identity, language, history and ambitions. Over the past year we have made real progress in making sure that distinction is recognised,” he said.

“That matters because Cornwall’s future must be shaped around Cornwall’s needs, opportunities and potential.”

What Cabinet members flagged up

During the meeting, Cabinet members picked out achievements from across their portfolios. Among them, the response to winter storms and heavy rainfall, the new Carers Strategy, Cornwall securing Ageing Well status, and automatic enrolment for eligible children receiving free school meals.

The Kernow Industrial Growth Fund also got a mention. The £30 million fund, backed by Government and commissioned by Cornwall Council, is designed to unlock around £70 million of further investment into Cornwall.

Deputy Leader Adam Paynter said: “The Annual Report shows the scale of work being delivered across Cornwall Council and the progress made over the past year.

“Our challenge now is to continue delivering for the people of Cornwall by improving the daily lives of each and every one of our residents, and making the best use of every pound we spend.”

Road safety strategy backed unanimously

Cabinet also considered Cornwall’s Road Safety Strategy, which was unanimously supported.

Introducing the strategy, Cabinet Member for Transport Dan Rogerson said it was important to remember the issues at the heart of the report and the huge effect road safety can have on people.

Dan said: “Road safety is about people, families and communities. Every serious collision has a lasting impact, and this strategy is about working with partners to make Cornwall’s roads safer for everyone.”

Taxi zone decision pushed back

Cabinet also looked at proposals relating to taxi zones. After discussion, members agreed to defer a decision on changes, allowing further work to be carried out and to better understand the potential impact on the taxi trade and communities.