This week, our full council meeting was dominated by one of our most significant annual responsibilities, setting your Town Council budget for the year ahead. As unpaid volunteers, every councillor feels the profound weight of this task, knowing that every penny we allocate comes from our community. This year’s decision was particularly challenging. Last year, we absorbed inflationary pressures without increasing our portion of the council tax, but that is no longer sustainable if we are to maintain and enhance the services you value. This pressure is unfortunately compounded by a systemic issue, approximately 14% of second-home owners in our area are exploiting loopholes to avoid contributing their fair share. This not only creates a financial shortfall but is, in my view, a key reason why second home ownership causes such friction, it can undermine the very community others call home. Faced with these challenges, our choice was clear. We must invest in our town’s foundation, our young people. Youth services have been in decline for two decades, with real-world consequences. That is why a cornerstone of this year’s budget is taking on and vastly expanding services through the Newquay Youth Centre. I make no apology for prioritising this. The return on this investment, in safer childhoods, better health, and future prosperity, is immeasurable. This expansion, alongside delivering a new Mount Wise Play Park, continuing our events programme, and increasing grants for grassroots organisations, does come at a cost. After careful scrutiny, the council has agreed to an increase. For a typical Band D property, this will mean an additional 93p per week. It is important to put this into perspective. Even with this increase, our town council precept remains far from the highest in Cornwall, with councils like Falmouth's costing residents significantly more per year with no expansion to services. As the town with the largest population in Cornwall, and one whose infrastructure and services are disproportionately impacted by millions of visitors, I believe this represents responsible stewardship. The current system, where a significant portion of the cost of servicing tourism falls directly on our permanent residents, is not fair. Redressing this imbalance is a key item on my agenda. For now, this budget ensures we can deliver for our community, protect our services, and build a stronger future for our young people, while keeping our local tax burden comparatively low. As always, my door remains open to your questions.

Yet another unsettled week of wind and rain. Today is probably the best day. There will be gales again on Thursday.

There have been a couple more small rock falls on the Harbour beach last week. Another angling boat has been sold to Scotland. The RFA Tideforce was in the bay last week taking part in an exercise and a crew change.

Saturday night Straightfire is playing in the Rowing Club at 9pm.

Thought for the Week: “The expert in anything was once a beginner.”