At a special meeting held on the 7th of November 2024, St Ives Town Council resolved to put its name to the following statement, drafted on behalf of Cornish mayors and towns.
“We wish to express support for the following statement on devolution of powers from central government.
We support the principle of devolution of wide powers from Whitehall to Cornwall. But we are convinced that the one and only devolution option for the Duchy is to devolve powers to Cornwall, and not to a broader combined region alongside other large authorities in the south-west.
The economic landscape of Cornwall is unique to us – and not shared with our neighbours in Plymouth, Devon or the “Greater South West”. While we do face some serious challenges, we also have many opportunities, such as our mineral wealth and potential for green energy – as well as our resilient and resourceful people.
The government favours devolution to “sensible economic geographies”. Cornwall fits the bill. And while “sensible economic geographies” are important, we also need to think about devolution in terms of areas and regions that local people truly identify with.
We in Cornwall have a huge affinity with the history, culture and identity of the place we call home – an identity recognised in our status as a protected National Minority, and in the burgeoning interest in our language and heritage.
Devolving powers to Cornwall would lock in support for the “devolution revolution”. By contrast, devolving powers to a hybrid authority with which local people feel no affinity would risk undermining local democracy.
The people of Cornwall are keen to embrace devolution, and to take on extra powers to help us shape our land for future generations. Devolution to Cornwall alone, or – subject to the consent of our neighbours on Scilly – to a Cornwall/Isles of Scilly combined authority, would enjoy massive local support.
The seat of devolved powers has to be on our own territory, where local people know their voices can be heard.
So, we urge the government to grant a sensible devolution settlement that respects the uniqueness of the economy, geography, culture and identity of Cornwall”.
Councillor Johnnie Wells, Mayor of St Ives, on behalf of St Ives Town Council
