One Cornwall The right choice - MP's
June 19, 2007 12:00 AM
Cornwall's five Liberal Democrat MPs this evening (Tuesday) backed Cornwall County Council's vote to continue with Cornwall's bid to replace both the County and District Councils with a single elected body as "the right choice for Cornwall".
Each of the MPs has surveyed key stakeholders in their constituencies including Parish Councils, School Governors, GPs and Women's Institutes, and found clear support for proposals to devolve power on economic development, strategic planning, affordable housing and health care. The MPs have met with Local Government Minister Phil Woolas several times, and secured reassurances that the new authority would clear the way for real and meaningful devolution of power to Cornwall.
Today's vote will see a further audit of the proposals to ensure that predicted savings of some several million pounds will indeed be achieved, and paves the way for the new authority to give more say over local issues to Cornwall's local communities and towns.
Commenting, North Cornwall's MP, Dan Rogerson said:
"There's no natural law which says the division of responsibilities in Cornwall today is the right one. Seven Councils with conflicting priorities - and the obvious inability to work together, seen most vividly in recent weeks - cannot deliver a strategic vision for Cornwall. This is not about scrapping the Districts. It is about taking the best of the Districts and the best of the County to create a new and more effective voice for Cornwall."
Chair of the MP "Team for Cornwall", Matthew Taylor, added:
"We have sought consistent reassurances from Ministers that these proposals can continue to be refined, and open the door to greater powers to Cornwall. A single strategic authority for Cornwall, with devolved powers to all the principal towns - and to any parish that wants them - is a unique opportunity to see real power devolved from London, and more say for local people."
Colin Breed, MP for South East Cornwall, said:
"As a Caradon District Councillor for 10 years and MP for South East Cornwall for a similar period I have no doubt whatsoever that a Unitary Authority with devolved powers and reorganisation will provide a more focused, economic and efficient structure to deliver first class public services to my constituents.
"I am delighted that the County Council has taken this most important step for Cornwall's future."
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