Landmark £360m devolution deal to be signed with Cornwall

The government has offered a historic £360 million devolution deal to Cornwall Council, which would see a locally elected Mayor and more powers given to the area.  

Residents and parliament must first approve the deal before it can go ahead, building upon a previous 2015 agreement when Cornwall became the first rural authority to be offered devolved powers.  

If approved, Cornwall would gain more control over its Adult Education budget, get £8.7 million to develop affordable homes on brownfield sites and government guidance on policy for second homes.  

Cllr Linda Taylor, leader of Cornwall Council, said: ‘This is a big deal for the whole of Cornwall, and provides the certainty required to tackle the challenges we face. This gives us the opportunity to secure more decision-making powers as well as bringing in millions of pounds of extra investment which will allow us to shape the future of Cornwall for the benefit of residents for many years to come. 

‘The proposed deal provides clarity in uncertain times and would allow us to make future plans with confidence, enabling us to deliver on our priorities to create a carbon neutral Cornwall where everyone can start well, live well and age well.’  

Taylor encouraged locals to carefully consider the proposals, with a local consultation on the deal due to begin next week.  

The county could see a guaranteed £360 million in funding over the next 30 years if plans are approved, with £500,000 to improve local transport planning and support to preserve the Cornish language.  

Money would also go towards ‘levelling up’ Cornwall, boosting the area’s economy and addressing the challenges it faces.  

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said she was ‘proud’ to sign the agreement, as Cornwall has ‘not received the levers it needs to level up and address the unique challenges it faces’ for too long.  

If proposals go ahead, this would mean nearly 50% of England is covered by regional devolution deals, with government committed to offering a deal to any area that wants one by 2030.  

York and North Yorkshire and the East Midlands have also signed devolution deals this year, with possible future deals to be agreed upon with Suffolk, Norfolk and councils in the North East.  

A recent report by the Devolution All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) called for more devolved powers across the UK to empower local leaders.  

Photo by Benjamin Elliott