Cornwall Council says that it has been successful in devolving power to the county, protecting residents from Brexit uncertainty.

Its 'New Frontiers' plan sets out a series of requests that the council says could bring in an addition £2bn and create 20,000 new jobs by 2030.

18 months since the project began, the council has had some success in meeting its aims.

These include:

  • A £7.85million investment from the UK Space Agency to develop facilities for the spaceport.
  • Agreeing to partner with Virgin over the spaceport.
  • Awarding a tender to Carbon Trust to create an Energy Innovation Zone for Cornwall and integrate low-carbon technology into existing frameworks and businesses.
  • Agreeing with the Government that Cornwall Council can keep all money raised through future business rates increases.
  • Securing £75,000 worth of government funding to support Skills Advisory Panels and help to match people with jobs.
  • Taking part in the South West Institute of Technology partnership which will see more government funding injected into universities and colleges throughout the region.
  • Piloting the tri-light officer scheme, which trains multi-purpose officers in policing, firefighting and first aid.

Cornwall Council leader Julian German said: “It is 20 months since Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Leadership Board launched New Frontiers as our regional plan outlining everything we need to flourish beyond Brexit.

“Since its development in early 2018, the programme has been successful in achieving seven ‘asks’ against the backdrop of a heavily distracted government and uncertainty over Brexit.

“We’ve remained engaged with the Government to stand up for Cornwall on post-Brexit policy, including articulating our requirements of the Government’s replacement for European funds – the Shared Prosperity Fund – and to keep it to its promise that we will not be worse off as a result of Brexit.”