This month the public consultation on the historic £360 million devolution deal between the Government and Cornwall Council will be coming to an end.
This historic deal,
which transfers additional money and power into the hands of local leaders in
Cornwall, is the first single county deal of its kind.
It is also one of the biggest decisions Cornwall has had to make in a
generation and that
is why I urge as many people as possible to understand what is on offer and
have their say.
I am aware, however,
that there has been much
misinformation and misunderstanding about what the Devolution Deal will mean
for Cornwall and so would encourage people to base their views and judgement on
fact, rather than misguided opinion.
Regardless of what some
people may be saying, this is not a done deal. It is only the beginning and
what is on offer in the immediate deal is not the final outcome. There is much
more negotiation to be done with the government about more additional funding
and powers to make the changes we want to see here in Cornwall happen.
There is also a lot of misrepresentation about what having a mayor will mean
for Cornwall. The deal would mean everyone in Cornwall gets to decide who leads
Cornwall Council rather than 87 councillors choosing. Surely a Leader elected
by the people of Cornwall who best understand what the county needs can only be
a good thing as it also means the council Leader will have a greater democratic
mandate and will be accountable to the people of Cornwall.
However, don’t just
take my, or anyone else’s, word for it. I would urge people to see for
themselves exactly what this will mean for Cornwall: www.gov.uk/government/publications/cornwall-devolution-deal-kevambos-digresennans-kernow
The deal will include
Cornwall’s first ever long-term, fully devolved investment fund of £360m
guaranteed for the next 30 years as well as £8.7 million to support the
building of new homes on brownfield land and an additional £500,000 for
transport planning to support the area to improve key transport infrastructure
priorities.
There is also up to £10 million for housing and heritage-led regeneration to
support the delivery of locally determined priorities in Cornwall, and £500,000
of funding to protect and promote the Cornish language.
But this ground-breaking deal is about more than just money. It also includes a
commitment from government to work with Cornwall to finds ways to better manage
the impact of second homes and holiday lets and would give us new powers to
improve local skills to ensure these meet the needs of the local economy and
also drive the regeneration of Cornwall and to build more affordable homes.
It would also see the start of a new era of political leadership by
establishing a different relationship with the Government for Cornwall; giving
us the opportunity to have more decision-making powers and millions of pounds
of additional investment to deliver on priorities for the people of Cornwall.
I strongly believe that the Devolution Deal can only be very positive
for Cornwall. More money, more power and more control over things that truly
matter to us like housing, education, and transport as well.
Over half of the country is going down this route and I’m concerned that
if Cornwall doesn’t take this opportunity, we are going to be left behind other
areas.
There are also those who would like to see a
regional or Devon and Cornwall Mayor, and the way to ensure Cornwall keeps its
unique identity and voice is to take this opportunity.
Cornwall Council have been
consulting on the new deal which aims to help deliver on the priorities set out
in the Cornwall Plan 2050 and if accepted, the Government would give additional
powers and funding to the local authority.
What’s important is that people understand the facts and I would
encourage everyone to take a look at what the deal means for the county themselves
and then have their say.
The 10-week
consultation comes to an end this month on February 17 and can be accessed via the link here: https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/bigdeal
If
supported, the election of a Mayor for Cornwall will take place in May 2024.
For now, I
will carry on working with my colleagues in Westminster to ensure we continue
to deliver the best outcomes for the people of Cornwall.
As ever, if I can be of
assistance on any matter, my office is available for any constituents needing
help, advice or guidance – tel: 01726 829379 or email: office@stevedouble.org.uk
ENDS
