Council leaders want to meet Deputy PM over devolution

They say they want to 'unlock the potential' of the Duchy

Author: Simon McleanPublished 4th Sep 2024

Leaders at Cornwall Council are now calling for a chat with the Deputy Prime Minister over the new Government's plans for devolution.

It follows a meeting last week, with the authority now calling for a 'shared commitment' to secure a deal that'll unlock the potential of the Duchy, without the need for a mayor or becoming part of a combined authority.

The group is calling for a ‘much broader and deeper devolution settlement’ that reflects Cornwall's shared status with the Welsh, Scots and Irish in ‘all areas of economic, social, political, and cultural life’, and agreed that an empowered Cornwall is ‘perfectly positioned’ to play a key role in driving the burgeoning green economy.

The group noted that although not formally invited to submit a devolution settlement ‘Expression of Interest’ – unlike Plymouth which currently has no devolved powers – Cornwall remains ‘ready, willing and able to take back control in its own right’.

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