Cornwall Council Leader Advocates for Independent Devolution Status

The head of Cornwall Council states that the county should not be linked with Devon in any forthcoming devolution arrangement. Councillor Linda Taylor made these comments concerning the government’s English Devolution white paper, which some individuals have described as “a grim day for Cornwall.” All political factions within the council and the county’s Members of Parliament are seeking for the government to recognize Cornwall as a standalone authority, citing its national minority status and distinct economic and social circumstances. The government has previously indicated its preference for Cornwall to be part of a devolved authority with Devon or integrated into a larger South West region. Devolution involves transferring powers, funding, and decisions typically held by central government to local authorities. A devolution agreement approved in November 2023 granted Cornwall Council greater autonomy in areas such as green energy and adult education. Taylor remarked that Cornwall had demonstrated its capability to manage devolution, but warned that if it declined a mayor, it would be “left behind.” She stated: “If we don’t accept, we won’t have a seat at the table of nations for funding, devolved powers, investment into transport, skills and control over planning and housing.” She further added: “We need the government to invest in a single footprint for Cornwall.” The white paper indicates the government’s preference for partnerships that combine multiple local authorities across a broad geographical area. The document outlines three levels of devolution: a Foundation Strategic Authority without a mayor, a Mayoral Strategic Authority, and an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority. The latter two options require populations exceeding 1.5 million people. According to the Office for National Statistics, Cornwall had a population of 570,300 in 2021, while Devon’s population was 1,623,200. Dick Cole, the leader of Mebyon Kernow, informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “This is a grim day for Cornwall.” He continued: “It is particularly frustrating that the Westminster government has ignored the collective representations for a devolution settlement for Cornwall, which came from all groups on the unitary authority and all six Cornish MPs.” Cole added: “It is shameful and disturbing that the Ministry for Communities and Local Government has failed to acknowledge or address Cornwall’s unique historic, cultural and constitutional status within the UK.”