Possible devolution deal in Cornwall

A deal to tackle issues associated with second homes has been signed in Cornwall, subject to public consultation, by leader of Cornwall Council Linda Taylor and Levelling-up minister Dehenna Davison. The deal is worth £360 million and aims to "provide the area with new powers and funding to increase opportunities and living standards through inclusive growth and productivity improvements".

The deal is subject to Cornwall Council meeting the necessary governance criteria for a Level 3 devolution deal.

The devolution agreement includes the following:

• Cornwall Council moving to adopt a directly elected mayor and cabinet executive governance model. This includes the mayor having the power to designate mayoral development areas;
• £12 million per year allocation of investment funding over 30 years to be invested in Cornwall;
• an extra £0.5 million to help speed up the Cornwall Transport Plan;
• £8.7 million to support building new homes on brownfield land, and £10 million capital funding to support the delivery of locally determined priorities in Cornwall;
• £10 million for investment in innovative business;
• £0.5 million to protect Cornish distinctiveness, including protection of the Cornish language;
• where appropriate for "Cornish" to appear in any list of regional and minority languages that appears in forthcoming legislation where appropriate;
• creation of a Cornish Land Commission;
• support to create a Cornwall Floating Offshore Wind Commission to minimise the marine ecological impact and maximise job creation;
• agreement to work closely on national changes in the future around second homes.

Leader of Cornwall Council Linda Taylor commented:

"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.

The government has made it clear that the proposed deal is conditional on making our governance change. I am appealing to one and all to carefully consider this huge opportunity for Cornwall to receive more funding, powers and influence – and have your say on the deal that will help shape Cornwall’s future when the consultation begins."