Cornwall Council approves new devolution deal

The council will establish a commission to accelerate the development of floating offshore wind power

Cornwall Council has approved a new devolution deal from the government, giving it more control over areas such as green energy and adult education.

The level two deal was announced by the chancellor in the autumn statement and has been approved unanimously by the council’s Cabinet.

It follows the council’s decision not to pursue a level three deal, which would have required a directly elected mayor for Cornwall.

Council leader, councillor Linda Taylor, said after Tuesday's cabinet meeting the deal was a "great step forward but it must be part on an ongoing journey".

'Fantastic day'

The deal means:

• The council will have full control over the adult education budget from 2025

• The council will establish a commission to accelerate the development and deployment of floating offshore wind power

• The council will be able to attend meetings of the British-Irish Council as an advisor on matters relating to the Cornish language, which is recognised as a minority language by the UK Government

The deal also includes an additional £500,000 to support Cornish distinctiveness and the Cornish language.

Ms Taylor said the council would continue to seek more autonomy from Westminster.

"This is a fantastic day for Cornwall, and really good news for our residents," she said.

“The new deal gives us further powers to develop the skills we need to take advantage of the new industries we are developing, as well as the opportunity to help shape national policy in vital areas such as floating offshore wind power."