Cornish Independent NonAligned Group | Standing for Cornwall on Cornish Independent NonAligned Group (CING)

“Free Speech Is Fundamental to Democracy”

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:01:00 +0100

Cllr Rowland O’Connor has spoken in support of a motion before Cornwall Council aimed at reinforcing the importance of freedom of expression, fair process, and robust democratic debate within local government.

The motion, due to be debated at Full Council on 19 May 2026, focuses on ensuring that lawful political expression is properly protected and that council processes remain fair, proportionate, and resistant to misuse.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Cllr O’Connor said:

“No Child Should Have To Break Down Before Adults Listen”

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:01:00 +0100

Councillor Rowland O’Connor has spoken in strong support of a motion brought before Cornwall Council calling for a formal review into mental health and wellbeing in schools, warning that vulnerable children and SEND families are increasingly being failed by a system that is “breaking children rather than supporting them.”

The motion, debated at Full Council on 19 May 2026, seeks the creation of an informal Cabinet Advisory Group to examine the relationship between school environments, behaviour systems, mental health, exclusion, emotional wellbeing and SEND pressures across Cornwall.

O’Connor Warns Road Markings Motion Risks Diverting Funds From Frontline Repairs

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:01:00 +0100

Cllr Rowland O’Connor has warned that a motion due before Cornwall Council on 19 May 2026 risks creating additional bureaucracy and financial pressure while duplicating work that is already underway within Cornwall’s highways programme.

The motion, titled Road Safety Through Timely Renewal of Road Markings and Improved Parking Enforcement, calls for new reporting structures, response targets, escalation frameworks, and expanded oversight arrangements relating to road markings and parking enforcement.

While acknowledging the importance of clear road markings and effective enforcement, Cllr O’Connor said the Council must remain focused on prioritising limited highways funding toward the highest-risk safety issues affecting residents.

"Poison on Our Streets" Row Erupts as Council Pushes Weedkiller Return

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Cornwall Council is facing a growing backlash over plans to reintroduce glyphosate weedkiller — with warnings it could put public health, wildlife, and trust at risk.

Cllr Anna Thomason-Kenyon has backed calls to halt the rollout, describing the move as a serious mistake that demands urgent reconsideration.

“This is not simply about weeds on our streets. It is about trust, public health, and whether we remain consistent with the commitments we have made to our residents and our environment.”

Access to NHS Dental Care for Children in Cornwall

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Cornwall Councillor Rowland O’Connor has warned that access to NHS dental care for children in Cornwall is becoming increasingly difficult, with many families unable to secure even routine appointments.

Backing a motion at Full Council, Cllr O’Connor said too many children are now going without routine dental care — leaving problems untreated and families with limited options.

“Right now in Cornwall, there are children who simply cannot get access to an NHS dentist. That is a serious concern, and it’s something we need to address.”

Cornwall Must Not Be Overlooked: Councillors Unite to Challenge "Hidden Deprivation" Funding Failure

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Councillors across Cornwall have come together to back a motion demanding urgent action from Government after it emerged that not a single Cornish community has received funding from the £5.8 billion “Pride in Place” programme.

The motion, supported by Cllr Karen Knight, highlights growing concern that rural deprivation in Cornwall is being systematically overlooked by national funding formulas, despite clear evidence of need.

Analysis shows that Cornwall has at least 11 neighbourhoods in the top 10% most deprived areas in England, yet the current system fails to capture the reality of hardship in rural communities.

Mevagissey Families Denied Fair Access to School Transport

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Families face inconsistent rules despite children travelling on the same bus.

The Cornish Independent NonAligned Group (CING) has backed a motion to fix what it describes as an “unfair and outdated” school transport system affecting families in Mevagissey.

The motion, to be debated at Full Council, calls for Penrice and Poltair Schools to be treated as joint designated schools — ensuring equal access to transport for local families.

“Children on the Same Bus — Treated Differently”

Cllr Rowland O’Connor said:

Planning Decisions Must Command Public Trust

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Cornwall Councillor Rowland O’Connor has challenged the Council to demonstrate that Cornwall’s planning system is fair, transparent, and capable of commanding public confidence, following a question raised at Full Council.

The intervention focused on whether the views of parish councils and local residents are not only heard, but meaningfully reflected in the planning decisions that affect their communities.

“People can accept difficult decisions. What they cannot accept is a system that appears inconsistent or unaccountable.”

Cllr Anna Thomason-Kenyon Elected Vice-Chair of Falmouth Community Area Partnership

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Councillor Anna Thomason-Kenyon has been elected as Vice-Chair of the Falmouth Community Area Partnership (CAP), marking a positive step forward for collaborative working and local engagement in the area.

The Falmouth CAP brings together Cornwall Councillors, town and parish councils, community organisations, and key stakeholders to identify priorities, shape local investment, and deliver practical improvements for residents.

Speaking following her appointment, Cllr Thomason-Kenyon said:

“I’m honoured to have been elected as Vice-Chair of the Falmouth CAP. This is a real opportunity to strengthen collaboration across our communities and ensure local voices are at the heart of decision-making.

Formation of the Cornish Independent NonAligned Group

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Cornish Independent NonAligned Group (CING) is pleased to announce its formation as a new independent group on Cornwall Council.

CING brings together three councillors — Rowland O’Connor (St Columb Major, St Mawgan & St Wenn), Anna Thomason-Kenyon (Constantine, Mabe & Mawnan), and Karen Knight (Camborne West & Treswithian) — who have chosen to sit together as independent representatives, free from any national party whip.

Our Commitment

CING councillors will vote on the merits of each issue, guided solely by the interests of Cornwall and the communities we represent. We are not a political party. We are a group of independents united by a shared commitment to:

Welcome to the New CING Website

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

We are delighted to launch the new website for the Cornish Independent NonAligned Group. This site has been designed to give residents across Cornwall a clear, accessible window into the work of our independent councillors on Cornwall Council. Whether you want to find out who represents your division, read about our policy positions, or stay up to date with the latest council news, you will find it here.

The site includes profiles of each of our councillors, details of the committees they serve on, and information about the issues they are championing on behalf of their communities. Our news section will carry regular updates on council business, and our policies pages set out the principles that guide our work across housing, the environment, the local economy, transport, and governance.

Spring Council Session: Key Highlights

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The spring session of Cornwall Council saw a busy programme of debate, scrutiny, and decision-making. CING councillors played an active role throughout, raising questions on behalf of their communities and pressing the administration on a number of important issues.

During the full council meeting, our members tabled questions on the state of road maintenance across the county, highlighting the growing backlog of repairs and the impact on rural communities in particular. The responses from the cabinet member acknowledged the scale of the challenge, and we will continue to press for a credible plan to address it in the coming budget cycle.

Upcoming Community Engagement Events

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

CING councillors are committed to being visible and accessible in the communities they represent. Over the coming weeks, several of our members will be holding drop-in sessions and community meetings across the county, and we warmly invite residents to attend.

These events are an opportunity to raise local concerns directly with your councillor, hear about current council business, and find out how CING is working on the issues that matter to you. Whether it is a pothole on your road, a planning application in your neighbourhood, or a broader question about council policy, no issue is too small or too large to bring along. Our councillors are there to listen, and wherever possible, to act.