Cornwall Council has become the first rural county to be given new devolution powers after signing an historic devolution deal with the Government.
The deal will see the council take control of bus services, adult skills and regional investment, as well as developing the case for integrating health and social care services.
‘This deal is great news for Cornwall and I hope the first of many devolution deals for counties around the country as part of our long-term economic plan,’ said communities secretary Greg Clark.
‘This historic deal ensures Cornwall has the powers and resources that will allow it to create the jobs and services it knows are best suited to the area and that will help local people and the county thrive.’
Council leader John Pollard said the deal would give Cornwall greater powers over public sector funding and pave the way for further devolution in the future.
He said: ‘This is the first stage of a longer journey towards delivering the full case for Cornwall. We will now be working with partners to develop an integrated health and social care system, and deliver significant economic growth, with enhanced business support, greater access to employment and training opportunities, together with a much improved public transport network and more efficient use of public sector buildings.’
