Cornwall Council Cabinet Endorses New Set of Priorities for the Duchy

Cornwall Council Unveils Big Plans: Could These 6 Priorities Change the Duchy’s Future?

Cabinet backs wide-reaching focus on housing, transport, health and environment

Cornwall Council’s Cabinet has formally backed a bold new direction aimed at tackling some of the Duchy’s biggest challenges. The six priorities were agreed on Tuesday 30th July and are designed to guide the Council’s future work across key areas such as housing, health, economy, and the environment.

The strategy, which follows what residents have said matters most, includes commitments to stronger communities, more affordable homes, a cleaner Cornwall, and better local transport. The Cabinet endorsement comes just a week after the Council announced plans to seek formal recognition of Cornwall as the UK’s fifth nation.

“Not Just Patching Holes”

Council Leader Cllr Leigh Frost said the priorities were shaped by open discussion and a forward-looking mindset.

“At Full Council last week, we spoke honestly and clearly about the challenges facing Cornwall — from housing to health, from transport to wellbeing,” said Leigh.
“But we also spoke with confidence about where we’re going. Today, Cabinet takes the next step by adopting a clear-eyed, common-sense set of principles to guide our work.
“These priorities are about building a better Cornwall — not just managing decline or patching holes, but shaping a brighter future for One and All.”

The Six New Priorities

The approved priorities are:

• Strong, safe, vibrant communities, with more decent and affordable homes

• A clean, green Cornwall, with healthy rivers and seas

• A resilient economy, creating good jobs and fair opportunities

• A caring place for families, where every child can thrive

• Healthy and active people, supported to live well at every stage of life

• Connected, reliable, safe transport, that works for the people of Cornwall

“These priorities reflect our belief in Cornwall’s potential, and our determination to realise it,” said Leigh. “They are rooted in the values that guide us — fairness, ambition, inclusion and respect — and in a deep sense of place and purpose.”

Push for Greater Powers

The Council’s decision comes on the heels of a wider push for more autonomy. Leigh has written to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister outlining the case for greater funding, better representation, and stronger decision-making powers for Cornwall.

“This isn’t about independence,” he said. “It’s about taking control of our own destiny and ensuring decisions about Cornwall are made here in Cornwall — not hundreds of miles away in Westminster.”

Respecting Cornwall During Summer

The Council also sent a reminder to residents and visitors to look after Cornwall’s landscape during the busy summer period.

“Cornwall is beautiful, but vulnerable,” said Leigh. “Please take your litter home, leave no trace, and follow safety advice — especially on our beaches. Let’s all do our bit to protect the place we love.”