The government has confirmed a £360m devolution deal for Cornwall, with the Duchy to directly elect a mayor similar to those voted for in cities such as Bristol and Manchester.
The proposed deal, previously announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt during the Autumn Statement last month, would give the county a greater say over transport budgets, building and several other areas. The agreement still requires local consent and parliamentary approval.
Levelling up minister Dehenna Davison travelled to Cornwall on Friday (December 2) to sign the deal, which the government hailed as a “landmark” settlement.
It builds on a previous 2015 devolution deal for the county, with the election for Cornwall Council’s new mayor taking place in May 2024 pending a local consultation.
Under the proposals, the council will work with central government on housing, with £8.7m provided for delivering more homes on brownfield land as well as co-operation with the government on local policy around second homes.
The region will also receive £500,000 to improve transport planning, and funding for efforts to promote the Cornish language. Also significant is the decision to fully devolve the adult education budget to Cornwall from 2025.
Ms Davison said “for too long” Cornwall had “not received the levers it needs to level up and address the unique challenges it faces”.
“I am proud to sign the devolution agreement today and empower local leaders here who know best the issues that most affect the region," she said. “I look forward to working with Cornwall to turbo-charge levelling up, spread opportunity and unleash this great area’s full economic potential.”
Linda Taylor, leader of Cornwall Council, called it a “big deal” for the county and urged the public to consider the proposals.
“The government has made it clear that the proposed deal is conditional on making our governance change. I am appealing to one and all to carefully consider this huge opportunity for Cornwall to receive more funding, powers and influence – and have your say on the deal that will help shape Cornwall’s future when the consultation begins next week.”
Mark Duddridge, chairman of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, said the devolution of the adult education budget would enable "more tailored support" to be provided to thousands of Cornwall’s residents every year.
Cornwall is among a number of regions the Chancellor previously told MPs were set to secure mayoral devolution deals, including Suffolk and Norfolk.
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