Cornwall Council Reveals Bold New Plan to Shape the Duchy’s Future

Cornwall Council’s cabinet has approved the next step in its plan to tackle some of the Duchy’s biggest challenges and unlock its potential for the benefit of residents.

The decision was made during a meeting at Lys Kernow today (Wednesday 12th November 2025), where councillors agreed to move forward with the council’s draft priorities plan for the next four years.

Six Priorities for Cornwall’s Future

The draft plan sets out six key priorities following feedback from residents, businesses and communities across Cornwall. They include:

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

• A clean, green Cornwall with healthy rivers and seas

• A resilient economy creating good growth and jobs

• A caring place for families where children can build a bright future

• Supporting people to live healthy and dignified lives

• Connected, safe and reliable roads and transport

A public consultation will now be launched to gather views from residents on the draft priorities plan.

‘A Reflection of Cornish Life’

Cornwall Council’s leader, Cllr Leigh Frost, said:

“I have always said that these priorities are more than words on a page. They’re a statement of our intent and a reflection of our common-sense approach. An approach that is practical, grounded and puts people first.

“These priorities are already firmly in place and reflected in the way in which Cornwall Council is delivering services for the people of Cornwall. They are six priorities that are rooted in the reality of Cornish life – the challenges we face, the values we share, and the future we want to shape.”

Climate Commitments Reaffirmed

Cabinet also agreed the next stage of the council’s climate change and nature recovery plans. The council has reaffirmed its pledge that 30 per cent of land, rivers and seas in Cornwall will be well managed for nature by 2030.

It also confirmed a target to reduce the council’s operational emissions by 70 per cent by 2030 and to reach the government’s wider climate response goal by 2045.

Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for environment and climate change, Cllr Loic Rich, said:

“Cornwall Council will continue to lead, but progress depends on partnership – with government, business, landowners, and our communities. We need one and all in Cornwall to work with us and do their bit for nature and climate.

“That is why we will continue to work closely with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board, Local Nature Partnership, Climate Commission and Economic Forum to ensure our collective effort delivers a sustainable, prosperous, and more resilient future for Cornwall.”

Other Items Backed by Cabinet

Cabinet also backed reports on the council’s performance, digital inclusion strategy, home-based care and prevention, and sexual and reproductive health commissioning.

Public consultation on the new priorities plan is expected to open soon, giving people across Cornwall the opportunity to share their views on how the Duchy’s future should take shape.