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LIVE: Budget setting at Full Council, 21 February, 2023


Today sees one of the most important events in Cornwall Council's calendar as the full council meets to set its budget for the next financial year.

A draft budget, approved by Cabinet two weeks ago, will be presented to the chamber, while councillors will also have the chance to submit their own amendments to the plans.

If the draft budget is approved, it will see Cornwall Council’s part of the Council Tax bill increase by 2.99%, with an additional 2% levy which will be ring-fenced for Adult Social Care services.

The meeting, which starts at 10.30am, is open to the public and can be viewed on our webcast service.

Watch the webcast here

 You can also follow proceedings live through our blog below:


10.30am: Today's meeting is now underway, beginning with prayers.


10.36am: We are moving through the early part of the agenda, including apologies for absence, and declarations of interest.


10.37am: The Chairman is making her announcements, and has spoken of her pride at welcoming the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall on their recent visit to Falmouth.


10.39am: The leader, Cllr Linda Taylor, is making her announcements, and begins by telling the chamber that the council has been shortlisted for 'Council of the Year' in the prestigious LGA Awards.


10.47am: Public questions are being taken, with the first two focused on climate change issues


10.58am: The chamber is now welcoming it's newest member, Cllr John Martin, who was elected as the new member for Long Rock, Marazion and St Erth last Thursday.


11.03am: The council will now debate the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan, including the proposed rent increases for the next year.


11.24am: After a debate, the council has voted to approve the housing plan.  We will now move onto the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry plans before we move to the main business of today's meeting, the annual budget.


11.40am: Members are calling for the future funding of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry to be centralised to help unlock the economic potential of south east Cornwall. 


12.02pm: The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry plan is approved, we now move onto the budget for 2023/24.


12.06pm: Introducing the budget, Cllr David Harris, deputy leader of Cornwall Council and portfolio holder for resources, tells the chamber that he is pleased to be presenting a balanced budget, but would have liked to have avoided increasing council tax.

He says: "The recommendation, as previously addressed in the December budget update report, is that Cornwall Council’s share of the Council Tax charge is increased by 4.99%.

"This recommendation is not made lightly given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, but is being made in order to ensure that vital services to residents are protected. To not increase Council Tax by the maximum amount allowed by Government would reduce our spending power in next and future years.

"We will of course continue to heavily promote and signpost those residents worried about money to the support and financial assistance offered by the Council and other organisations."


12.20pm: Group leaders are now having their say on the proposed budget before the debate is opened to the rest of the chamber.


12.36pm: The debate has now been opened to the whole of the chamber, with councillors able to comment on the proposed budget.

Watch the webcast here


1.06pm: The debate on the budget is still ongoing, with councillors from across the council having their say on the financial plans.


1.36pm: Cllr Harris is answering the questions posed by councillors ahead of the vote on the proposed budget.


1.44pm: The proposed budget has been approved, and will be adopted.


2.25pm: The meeting has resumed following a break for lunch, and is now looking at the Climate Emergency Development Plan, which aims to put environmental concerns at the heart of the planning process in Cornwall.


2.44pm: The development plan has been approved by the council.


2.45pm: The chamber is now looking at a number of licensing issues, including fees for Hackney Cabs and Private Hire Taxis, and the licensing of relevant protected sites fees.


2.49pm: The council is now looking at the Pay Policy statement for 2023-24.


2.51pm: We now move onto questions from councillors to Cabinet members.  An hour is set aside for this part of the agenda.

Watch the webcast here


3.37pm: Councillors' questions are concluded, and the meeting has ended for today.