Nick Clegg has pledged to establish a new Cornish Assembly, potentially handing the region powers over housing, council tax and transport.
Speaking in the South West, the deputy prime minister for the first time unveiled what controls would be devolved under such a move if his party takes power in May’s General Election.
Clegg and Lib Dem Cornwall Council group leader Jeremy Rowe said the region could use council tax hikes and planning reforms to combat the purchasing of second homes.
They added that the group could be formed from the existing Cornwall Council, potentially reducing the number of representatives in the region.
In a joint statement, the pair wrote: ‘In the next Parliament, Lib Dems would deliver a new law – a Devolution Enabling Act – which will enable Cornwall to take legislative power into a Cornish Assembly, much like that in Wales.
‘It could mean more power for representatives in Cornwall to improve areas such as housing, health care, education and public transport.
‘When the Cornish Assembly is born, it would be up to those who are elected to shape Cornwall's destiny.’
