In recent weeks there has been a lot of rumour and
conjecture about the decision to cut funding for the Cornish language by the
Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
As a Cornishman born and bred I am very appreciative of our
rich history, culture and heritage all of which combine to make our Cornish
identity so special and unique in England.
The decision to not provide funding for the Cornish language
from central government was a ministerial decision made by the DCLG in response
to a bid made by Cornwall Council.
My own position is that I was not involved in the bid,
neither supporting nor objecting to it. As far as I am aware, only two Cornish
MPs were involved. Nor was there a vote in Parliament on this decision, which
was made by the Minister and their department.
It is my understanding that the main reason behind the
decision to turn down Cornwall Council’s bid for £150,000 to support the
Cornish language was that the DCLG believes Cornwall Council should make a
decision as to whether they should make it a priority to fund it from the £1.7
billion core spending power Cornwall Council has available, in part due to the
Government’s Cornish devolution deal, over the next four years.
Following the Ministerial decision, I have been considering
my position as to whether to make representations on the failed bid back to the
DCLG or not. In order to inform my thinking on this I have contacted Cornwall
Council and asked them to confirm how exactly how they spent the previous
funding made available to them, £650,000 over four years. Sadly as of writing
this column Cornwall Council have been as yet unable to provide me with all of the
information I need on this.
I think it only fair that Cornwall Council be given a chance
to show exactly how they have acted in the best interests of the majority of
the people of Cornwall in spending the money previously given to them. Once
they have provided this information then I will make a decision as on to how to
act next.
As always, my team and I are here to serve the whole
constituency and work hard to make a real difference to the lives of everyone
needing support. If there is an issue you would like my assistance on then
please contact me on either 01726 829379 or office@stevedouble.org.uk.
Additionally, I hold regular, appointment only, advice surgeries across the
constituency. Dates of these can be found at: www.stevedouble.org.uk/events
