UPDATE: Cornwall’s Labour MPs have just announced a significant funding boost, securing a 27 percent increase to £932 million by 2028/29 for Cornwall Council. This comes after months of intensive lobbying and is being hailed as a landmark achievement by Labour representatives. However, the announcement is already stirring controversy, as the Liberal Democrat leader of Cornwall Council accuses them of “dressing up” the figures as a “big win.”
Cllr Leigh Frost has raised concerns, stating that the funding is “roughly where we expected to be, if not slightly worse.” He emphasized that there is unlikely to be any substantial windfall for Cornwall in this settlement. The debate comes at a critical time as local authorities grapple with financial pressures and service delivery challenges.
In a joint statement, Labour MPs Noah Law, Jayne Kirkham, Anna Gelderd, and Perran Moon claimed that this funding is part of a broader initiative by the Labour Government to unlock Cornwall’s potential. They referenced previous support, including the recent Kernow Industrial Growth Fund announced in last month’s Autumn Budget.
Cllr Frost has countered the Labour narrative, explaining that the settlement includes an already agreed maximum council tax rise of 4.99 percent and a 100 percent premium on second homes. He warned that this means the actual increase in funding is closer to 4.5 percent once all factors are considered.
Commenting on the situation, Lib Dem MP Andrew George stated that further analysis is necessary to determine if the settlement will adequately protect budgets and maintain essential services over the next four years. He noted that while budgets seem protected, the real impact remains to be seen as “the devil is in the detail.”
The Labour MPs defended their position, highlighting that the increase represents a shift towards long-term funding rather than short-term annual settlements. They argue that this new approach will allow Cornwall Council to better plan and deliver local public services, placing Cornwall among the top beneficiaries in the nation.
Ms. Kirkham, who served on Cornwall Council prior to her election, expressed optimism about the funding, stating, “This is really positive news for Cornwall and it’s long overdue.” Meanwhile, MP Noah Law emphasized the importance of fair local funding, suggesting that the new formula will improve public services that have suffered under previous austerity measures.
The situation is developing quickly, and local authorities are expected to digest the implications of this funding announcement in the coming days. As the debate continues, the focus remains on how these funds will affect Cornwall’s most vulnerable communities that have been hit hardest by economic challenges.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
