First rural devolution deal for Cornwall announced by the Prime Minister

 First rural devolution deal for Cornwall announced by the Prime Minister

“The County Councils Network strongly welcome today’s announcement by the Prime Minister, that Cornwall has agreed the first county devolution deal.

This is the first devolution deal agreed outside of the core northern cities, and the first time a county will take control of a swathe of powers including the franchising of bus services, infrastructure and skills investment, and European funding. The agreement also enables local partners, including health to come together to develop a local model for health and social care integration and devolution.

Given the potential benefits of devolution to county areas we expect to see the deal grow and develop over time, as the Greater Manchester deal has.

CCN have been leading calls for devolution to non-urban areas, which already account for 41% of England’s GVA and nearly 50% of its population. Today’s historic deal will allow Cornwall to take much greater control of its own affairs and tailor solutions to meet the needs of its people and economy. Today’s agreement also sets a precedent for bringing more decisions and services closer to county communities across England, and could see the potential of county economies maximised to help meet Government growth ambitions and plans to boast productivity.”