Councils asked to back Cornwall-only devolution

Town bosses say Cornwall must not be forced to adopt London-style mayors or share powers with Devon

Town and parish councils are being asked to back devolution for Cornwall, but only on its own terms.

Mayors and clerks from some of Cornwall's larger towns issued a statement after meeting to discuss Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner's call for a "devolution revolution" across the UK.

They agreed any deal should not force Cornwall to adopt London-style mayors or share powers with Devon or the South West - and are asking all town and parish councils to formally back them.

The group said Cornwall had "a huge affinity with the history, culture and identity of the place we call home" as well as protected national minority status, meaning sharing powers with other areas would "would risk undermining local democracy".

'Massive local support'

The statement said: "The economic landscape of Cornwall is unique to us – and not shared with our neighbours in Plymouth, Devon or the 'Greater South West'.

"While we do face some serious challenges, we also have many opportunities, such as our mineral wealth and potential for green energy – as well as our resilient and resourceful people.

"The people of Cornwall are keen to embrace devolution, and to take on extra powers to help us shape our land for future generations.

"Devolution to Cornwall alone, or – subject to the consent of our neighbours on Scilly – to a Cornwall/Isles of Scilly combined authority, would enjoy massive local support."

The call for Cornwall-only devolved powers echoes moves by Cornwall Council to stand on its own and not with Plymouth City Council or any other combined authority.

Political leaders at Cornwall Council and MPs have written to Rayner stressing any devolution settlement has to be on a Cornwall-only basis and cannot be conditional on moving to a mayoral model, an approach rejected by Cornwall Council after a negative reaction from the public.

Their letter said despite not being "formally invited" to apply for devolution, unlike Plymouth, Cornwall was "ready, willing and able" to be part of "the Government’s 'new wave of devolution' in its own right".

Cornwall Council currently has a Level 2 devolution deal with the government which gives the local authority certain additional powers including control over its adult education budget, the creation of a Cornwall Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) Commission and an additional £500,000 to support Cornish distinctiveness and the Cornish language.