Cornwall Council Opens Up: First Individual Decision Day Promises Greater Transparency

Cornwall Council has held its first ever Individual Decision Day, introducing a new public format aimed at making decision-making more open, accessible and accountable.

Public decisions made at Lys Kernow

The session, held today (Wednesday 29th October) at Lys Kernow in Truro, saw formal decisions taken in public by Cllr Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council, and Cllr Tim Dwelly, Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration and Investment.

Among the topics discussed was how Cornwall can make the most of defence-led investment in Devonport, ensuring that local people and businesses benefit from the economic growth it brings.

Clarifying council-owned land decisions

The meeting also considered the future use of several Council-owned farmhouses and small parcels of land that have become vacant. These decisions did not involve the sale of farmland.

Cllr Tim Dwelly said: “We are not selling farms off in this report. The decisions all involve homes which are vacant as a result of tenancies ending and include only small areas of land. This is not farm selling – I want to be clear about that.”

He added that there was “a very clear intention to retain the estate at broadly its current size. We’re not selling off all the farms.”

Funding boost for Cornwall’s young people

Cllr Leigh Frost also approved the acceptance of a grant from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to deliver new youth-focused projects across Cornwall.

The funding will help young people gain skills, take part in cultural and community activities, and access new opportunities throughout the Duchy.

Supporting the decision, Cllr Hilary Frank, Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Schools, said: “This pilot will strengthen our partnerships, support youth workers and make sure young people’s voices genuinely shape what’s on offer in their communities.

“It’s not just about funding – it’s about belief in our young people, our youth workers, and the power of community to open doors and change lives.”