Experts have called for Cornwall to have its own parliament with powers to tackle key problems with healthcare, housing and the economy.
They believe the creation of a new Cornish senate would improve the quality of life for residents and tackle inequalities.
Proposals drawn up by University of Exeter experts are designed to tackle Cornwall’s “severe democratic deficit”. Researchers believe many issues will be resolved only when Cornish matters can be championed effectively locally and at ministerial level.
[The report](https://news.exeter.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Devolution-for-Cornwall-V3-final.pdf) says a new assembly, senate or parliament would be better able to solve ‘hot potato” issues in Cornwall such as the lack of affordable homes; tourism pressures; coastal sewage; dwindling local government receipts; an ageing population and stubbornly low wages.
It is written by Garry Tregidga and Andrew Climo, from the University of Exeter’s Cornish Democracy Unit, with input from Professor Malcolm Williams, Stephen Horscroft and Serena Skeratt.
Mr Climo said: “Cornwall endures a sustained inequality compared to its UK siblings such as Wales, receiving less spent per capita across many services. Those in the Duchy have no say over most services and little ability to improve policing, hospital provision, social housing, the regulation of tourism, the Cornish language or protection of its unique Celtic heritage. This issue needs tackling head-on and proactively.”
The report recommends the creation of a senior post at the heart of government, a ‘Minister for Cornwall’, or its equivalent, and a new governmental ‘Cornwall Office’ based in the Duchy. This would create a focus for solving Cornwall’s structural issues and create the infrastructure for developing proposals for a devolved assembly and legislature.
Dr Tregidga said: “Cornwall needs an administration that recognises the link between economic regeneration and civic life, is active in Cornish institution building, and is committed fully to Cornwall.
“Cornwall requires policies that are adapted for it. These are best developed in Cornwall, by a devolved body that understands Cornwall’s place in the world, its unique strengths and opportunities, ready to step-up, adapt and remain flexible.”
Before the creation of the assembly issues of Cornish heritage, identity and language could be either via the localism framework or alternative routes such as Orders in Council and/or hybrid bills.
Some aspects of devolution such as the protection of the natural and historic environment, some net zero measures, regulation of transport, tourism, second homes, social housing and rental sectors, may be able to be tackled through the Cities and Local Government Act 2016.
Ministers could agree devolution of regulation and policy of the housing rental sector, tourist accommodation and second homes.
A parliamentary ‘Cornwall Committee’ could be formed to investigate Cornwall-related issues and advise government.
The report also proposes a new Cornish Language Bill and Cornish National Minorities Bill.
Researchers will be holding meetings in the devolved nations about Cornish devolution.