Have your say on plans for a Cornwall devolution deal
It means Cornwall Council would have more decision-making powers
A public consultation has been launched, so residents in Cornwall can give their views on plans for a devolution deal for the Duchy.
If approved, it could bring an extra ÂŁ390 million of funding and bring new decision making-making powers to Cornwall Council.
The consultation is launching today (09/12) and will run until the 17th February 2023.
You can view it here
It follows the signing of the landmark draft deal by Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison and Cornwall Council Leader Cllr Linda Taylor at Spaceport Cornwall last week.
What would a devolution deal bring?
If approved, it would see Cornwall Council handed significant extra money and controls from Westminster to help:
- Tackle the housing crisis
- Create high-paid jobs and upskill the workforce
- Boost the economy and support net-zero carbon innovation
- Provide energy security through nationally-leading renewable energy plans
- Deliver sustained investment in the transport network
- Protect Cornish heritage
In addition to the ÂŁ360m investment fund, the proposed devolution deal also includes:
- To help tackle housing shortages the council would receive ÂŁ8.7m of devolved capital funding over two years to support new affordable homes on brownfield land
- A ÂŁ500,000 cash injection would allow the Council to develop a pipeline of low carbon transport schemes for major Government investment, as well as collaboration with the rail network on new smart ticketing systems.
- On skills and training Cornwall would be handed the budget for adult education to ensure provision better met the needs of the local economy.
- The deal would also help to fast-track a proposal to connect the Langarth housing development to a zero-carbon deep geothermal heat source dramatically cutting residents’ energy costs.
- ÂŁ3m in 2022/23 to invest in a number of significant heritage schemes across Cornwall.
- A ÂŁ500,000 investment would give greater support for protecting and promoting the Cornish language.
The council has secured an ambitious Level 3 draft devolution deal with government which would offer the highest range of new powers and funding to help level up the region with other parts of the country.
It includes giving Cornwall control of a new ÂŁ360m investment fund that extends for 30 years, which would be invested to drive growth and take forward its priorities over the long term.
Cornwall Council would also be given greater powers over transport budgets, building and skills delivery.
Would we get a Mayor of Cornwall?
A key condition of the deal set by government is changing how the council’s political leadership is determined.
The deal would only go ahead if the current governance model of having a council leader appointed by 87 Cornwall councillors was replaced by a new role of a council mayor directly elected by the people of Cornwall.
The mayor would have greater powers and a more influential voice to press upon government the unique challenges facing Cornwall.
If the draft devolution deal is approved by a majority of Cornwall councillors, a mayor would be elected in May 2024.
When would it happen?
Following the public consultation the proposed deal will be considered by the council’s cabinet next March.
It will then go to full council for consideration in July 2023.