A White Paper outlining Cornwall’s desire for the further devolution of power from Westminster will now be submitted to the Deputy Prime Minister in September.
It had originally been planned to submit the document within weeks, but concerns were raised by several members that the proposals require more scrutiny.
The leader of the council, Cllr Linda Taylor, allowed group leaders to speak on the issue, after she highlighted the need for cross-party support on the issue.
After hearing their concerns, it was agreed that the paper will now come back to Cabinet in September in order to try and gain cross-party support before it is submitted to Westminster.
The committee also considered the Cornwall Good Growth plan, which details the economic planning to ensure a successful local economy.
It sets out how to best position Cornwall’s economic sectors to deliver growth in terms of well-paying jobs, new and growing innovative businesses and the best opportunity to create ‘Good Growth’ and was approved unanimously.
Also on the agenda was the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report for 2023/24, which is an independent report produced each year looking at different aspects of the health of the population.
This year’s report focusses on work and health, outlining the importance of a healthy workforce, and detailing how being in ‘good work’ is far better for an individual’s health than being out of work.
Also approved at the meeting was the authority’s Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Strategy, which will ensure that ‘Gypsies and Travellers, regardless of their residence, have equity of access to health, welfare, education and all other essential services’.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Taylor said: “This was a vitally important agenda for Cornwall’s future, and we have listened to what councillors from across the council had to say.
“The call for greater scrutiny was clear, and we will now work hard to gain cross-party support for the paper before it is submitted to Westminster.
“I was delighted to see our Good Growth Plan approved. Cornwall has a unique and vibrant economy, and we want to ensure we harness all of the opportunities on offer.
“Cornwall can be right at the heart of the UK’s drive to a green economy, and this plan sets out exactly how we intend to do that.”
You can rewatch today’s meeting via our webcast service online.
ENDS
Posted 24 July, 2024