Cornwall Council voted against joining a proposed combined authority with Devon, opting instead to pursue greater devolutionary powers independently.
Councils in Devon have expressed interest in working with Cornwall to secure additional funding and authority over areas like transportation and housing from the Westminster government. The government has stated its desire to enhance devolution to regional areas to stimulate economic growth, encouraging local councils to unite and form so-called strategic authorities under a directly elected mayor.
However, Cornwall councillors voted against engaging in these talks by a majority of 41, advocating instead for Cornwall to receive greater devolution independently.Councillor Dick Cole from Mebyon Kernow proposed the motion: 'It was designed specifically to unite people.' He explained, 'I wanted all political parties to come together and say 'we want devolution, but we want it for Cornwall'' He hoped this would convey a clear message to the government that Cornwall would persistently pursue devolution on its own terms. 'We don't want some sort of 'Devonwall' cross-border authority, and it's crucial we stand united,' he added. Independent Councillor Julian German also supported the motion: 'We've witnessed elsewhere the government's proposals, and they're simply not worth compromising our integrity.'Mebyon Kernow leader Dick Cole presented the motion calling for Cornwall to forgo joining a combined authority. Some members expressed concern that the motion might restrict the council's ability to fully grasp the potential implications of a combined authority for Cornwall. Councillor Kate Ewert, leader of the Labour group, argued: 'We must acknowledge the political reality we face. We are effectively shutting down any discussion regarding a strategic mayoral authority.' The Conservative leader of the council, Councillor Linda Taylor, abstained from the vote. She stated: 'I firmly believe elected members should be allowed to engage in dialogue and explore potential collaborations. Our neighboring authorities, Devon and Plymouth, are currently discussing a combined authority.' Members were informed that the vote would not preclude a future administration from reconsidering discussions about a combined authority after the local elections in May.
DEVOLUTION CORNWALL COUNCIL COMBINED AUTHORITY DEVON WESTMINSTER GOVERNMENT
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