Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay has welcomed the announcement that the Government has given devolved powers, in the form of a Deal for Cornwall, to the County.
Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister makes Cornwall the first rural area to be given such devolved powers, which among other things include devolution of the bus network, the granting of Intermediary Body Status for the purposes of controlling European funding, and integration of health and social care services.
Commenting, Steve said,
“I am privileged to have worked with my fellow Cornish MP’s in driving this Deal for Cornwall. This Conservative Government has listened to the appetite for devolution amongst the Cornish people and has responded quickly with a package of measures that give Cornwall greater control of some of the keys issues affecting our Duchy. At the election some of the issues most often raised by local people were public transport, economic growth and Health and Social Care. Along with the investment already being delivered by the Government in our roads, railway, jobs and apprenticeships, this devolution deal gives Cornwall great control over some of the services that matter most to local people. This is not about more power for the council but for Cornwall. We are devolving powers and getting local bodies, across a number of sectors, to work together to provide local services.
This is a once in a generation opportunity for Cornwall to have more say over its own affairs. For too long we have been overlooked and neglected. Now we have a Government and group of MPs who not only understands what Cornwall needs but is able and committed to deliver the changes we need. There are still a number of details to be worked out but I see this as an important first step with the potential of more to follow. But it is first down to Cornwall Council working with the LEP and health care providers as well as the local MPs to demonstrate we are able to take on these additional responsibilities and deliver positive change for Cornwall.“