I think it goes without saying that the events held over the long weekend to mark our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee were a tremendous success both in Mid-Cornwall, around the country and in London. A tremendous tribute to our monarch who has done more than any other to serve her nation over the past 70 years.
I was particularly pleased to attend the beacon lighting at
Castle an Dinas right in the middle of our constituency, along with the
Cornwall Heritage Trust. With the great weather we enjoyed over the Bank
Holidays, we could see for miles across Cornwall to Bodmin Moor and both coasts
and got an extraordinary sight of the various beacons that were being lit at
the same time around the Duchy.
This is the only Platinum Jubilee any of us are ever likely to
see, and as ever Cornwall’s community spirit shone through – thank you to
everyone who took part in making these events ones to remember.
This week in Parliament we are starting the process of
bringing the Government’s landmark Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill into law.
This Bill contains a variety of measures, to devolve power and give local
leaders and communities the tools they need to make better places, by reducing
inequality and close the gap – in productivity, health, incomes, and
opportunity – between much of the south east and the rest of the country,
including Cornwall.
Two areas of particular importance to Cornwall that the
Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will deliver on are in the ambitious
planning reforms that are proposed, and the powers for local authorities like
Cornwall Council to levy more council tax on second homes. These are both
changes that I have long-campaigned for and ones I am pleased to see the
Government addressing in this session of Parliament.
The
planning system needs significant reform, and this Bill will improve the planning
process, so that it gives
local communities control over what is built, where it is built, and what it
looks like, giving communities more of a say in developments that are planned
and built in their area.
New
council tax rules for second and empty homes will also be introduced as part of
the UK Government’s commitment to invest in local communities and drive
levelling up across the country. The Bill also gives new discretionary powers
to Local Authorities in England like Cornwall Council, who will be able to levy
a premium of up to 100% on council tax bills for second homes – which are
furnished but not occupied as a sole or main residence – empowering them to
determine how best to raise additional revenue for their communities to support
and improve services.
Of
course, alongside all of this, Cornwall Council is currently negotiating a
potential devolution deal with the Government to allow it even more devolved
powers on top of those already covered under this Bill. I will continue to work
with all concerned to ensure that the deal Cornwall gets, from both the
emerging Government policy and its own devolution package, is one that works
for us all and leaves us best placed to move forward into the future.
If I can be of any further assistance, my office is
available for any constituents needing help, advice or guidance – tel. 01726
829379, email – office@stevedouble.org.uk
