Cornwall Council's Annual Report, which details a year of achievement and the work undertaken by the authority in 2022/23, has been approved following a meeting of the authority's Cabinet meeting today.
Also on the agenda for discussion were the council's provisional financial performance for the same period, the preparations for Armed Forces Day in Falmouth in June, and a new Space Sector Development Strategy for the next two-years.
The Annual Report, which can be viewed on the council's website (LINK), details the huge variety of roles the council plays in supporting its residents.
Cllr Linda Taylor, leader of the council, welcomed the 'great strides' Cornwall has taken towards its goals of creating a carbon-neutral economy where people can start well, live well and age well.
Other highlights mentioned by Cabinet included the provision of free travel for care leavers, the roll-out of 20mph zones in residential areas, the work undertaken with housing providers to help increase the number of properties available for local people at affordable prices, and the number of benefits the council has gained from the negotiations over a potential devolution deal from Westminster.
The Cabinet also considered a report on the development strategy for the space sector in Cornwall.
Cllr Louis Gardner, portfolio holder for the economy, said: "The Space Sector Strategy will continue to support Cornwall in realising some of the global space marketplace, in areas that we already have a competitive advantage, as well as unlocking new opportunities in future space technologies. We are already seeing job growth in the sector locally, and we expect that the 150 jobs at Spaceport Cornwall will be realised by 2025.
"This Strategy will also accelerate growth for the local space sector assets including Spaceport Cornwall and Goonhilly Earth Station, whilst attracting investment, promoting global trade and changing perceptions of Cornwall."
The Cabinet also discussed the current financial position for the council, with an underspend of £800,000 being provisionally reported for the year 2022/23.
Cllr David Harris, deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for resources, said: "Although we have achieved an underspend position the pressures we are facing do not go away just because it’s the end of the financial year.
"We have been able to top up our Financial Sustainability Reserve which will help us manage these pressures in 2023/24 but we need to continue driving forward reducing costs and managing our demand in order to continue to be a financially stable, resilient Council which drives value for money in all we do."
The report on preparations for the Armed Forces Day weekend, which will run from Friday, June 23 to Sunday, June 25, looked at the huge variety of entertainment on offer, including:
- A full military parade through the streets of Falmouth involving armed forces bands, regular and reserve personnel from all three services, cadets and veterans culminating in a salute with fly-past.
- A Military Village showcasing Army, Navy and RAF vehicles, equipment, interactive demonstrations and displays.
- An armed forces charity zone to showcase the work of the many organisations who support our armed forces.
- An afternoon of air displays over Falmouth Bay.
- Opportunities to take a tour of a Royal Naval Frigate
- Inter services Cadets field gun competition
- Music, entertainment, activities and displays throughout the town
- A Proms-style music concert at Pendennis Castle to celebrate and thank our armed forces
The Cabinet also approved a proposed increase in charges under the Post 16 subsidised travel scheme for students, which has been required to help meet rising costs.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Linda Taylor said: "This was a meeting to be proud of, looking back at the achievements of the past year while being able to report an underspend on our budget for the same period.
"We are also looking to the future with the development of our Space Sector Strategy and our plans to celebrate Armed Forces Day in spectacular style in Falmouth this summer.
"This administration has already done so much to make Cornwall a better place for its residents, and will continue to work just as hard to continue that progress."
Posted 10 May, 2023