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Cornwall Council has pledged to pursue a greater devolution deal from the British government, aimed at "unleashing the county's potential" without the need for a mayor or the creation of a combined authority.
In a recent meeting, council leaders expressed a "shared commitment" to securing a more comprehensive devolution settlement with the government. To advance this goal, they plan to engage with Britain's Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who also serves as the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, to discuss their proposals. A devolution deal would empower the council with greater control over local matters, such as funding, which are typically managed by the central government.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government has reiterated the government’s commitment to "giving power back to communities."
Cornwall had already secured a devolution deal in 2023, which included powers related to green energy and adult education. The Ministry stated that it would release a revised framework outlining the powers and funding available to regions with devolution agreements in the near future. It also noted that the Labour government would collaborate with local stakeholders to review and build upon the devolution deals previously agreed upon by the Conservative government.
Recently, two MPs, Ben Maguire and Andrew George, called on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to allow greater Cornish powers, citing the region's "unique" historical and cultural identity. They had called for an assembly similar to that of Wales.
The Labour government has already pledged to start a "devolution revolution" in the United Kingdom.
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