“Last week’s Levelling Up White Paper contained much excellent news for Cornwall.”
“One particularly welcome announcement was that the Secretary of State has now written to the Leader of Cornwall Council, Linda Taylor, inviting her to discuss an ‘ambitious and early’ devolution deal for Cornwall.”
“More devolved powers are something that politicians from all parties have been asking for, for some time, in particular the potential to raise additional council tax charges on certain properties, and have more control over our planning matters.”
“The Government’s levelling up guidance makes it clear that these additional powers would be expected to come as a part of a package that included a new governance model with a directly elected Mayor.”
“I personally do not have any strong feeling for or against having a Mayor. However, I certainly think it is worth entering into discussions about the potential of a Mayor for Cornwall and the benefits, additional funding and powers such a position could bring.”
“I appreciate that there will be different views on this around the Duchy and there will be positives and negatives expressed on any changes and the potential for more devolved powers for Cornwall that it could bring. I certainly do not think we should be rejecting change without knowing all the facts of what might be available.”
“It is a debate that is worth having, and while no one person could be said to speak for either side of the argument, I do think that now is the time that people across Cornwall should be thinking about the future shape and role of local government in the Duchy. In the end this is not about personalities but about what is right and best for the people of Cornwall. I want to look at the detail of what might be on offer from the government and then listen to the views of local people before firming up my views.”