The government has granted Cornwall the first of its new county deals, devolving powers over health and social care integration, bus services and economic development to the unitary council.
John Pollard, Leader of Cornwall Council, welcomed the government’s announcement. “This is the first stage of a longer journey towards delivering the full case for Cornwall,” he said. “Cornwall has the opportunity to develop a devolution deal which will provide a blueprint for other areas. This is no short term fix. We are serious about a different approach to economic growth and strong communities.”
Prime Minister David Cameron said it “marks a major shift for the people who live and work in Cornwall – putting power in their hands”, stating that funding that was previously “held back centrally” would follow services and “be spent in Cornwall”.
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