“The Kernow branch of the League has received the Liberal Democrats planned programme for Cornwall.
Following the UK general election on 6th May 2010 and the subsequent Conservative-Liberal Democrat Westminster coalition government that was formed, Branch Secretary Mike Chappell, wrote to the Liberal Democrat Members of
Parliament in Cornwall asking what their programme for Cornwall now was. Mr Chappell now plans to write to Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat, Nick Clegg, to ask to what extent this programme will form part of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat government policy.
The full programme can be found below.
The Liberal Democrats
A PROGRAMME FOR CORNWALL
Cornwall is justified in making a case to Government for priority treatment, fair funding and more decision-making powers.
• Green Peninsula
Cornwall wants to become a leader for green policy, at cutting edge green technology and the test bed for new green investments. This should include:
– renewable energy;
– waste reduction strategy (including a review of the incinerator);
– green transport.
• Cornish Assembly
Cornwall deserves more power, to take on the functions of:
– Regional Development Agency;
– Planning, especially Regional Spatial Strategy;
– Health;
followed by policing, environment, careers, jobs
• Housing Action Plan
Local working families are losing out. Cornwall must secure the delegated authority to resolve the Cornish housing crisis; including:
– control on second homes, – new planning and tax controls;
– drop the 70,000 houses for Cornwall (in the Regional Spatial Strategy);
– more affordable and less unaffordable housing.
• Funding formula review
Fair funding for Cornish public services:
– for Cornish schools and Council under the Government’s review of Local Government Finance;
– accelerate achievement of health funding target (currently £56 million
per annum under target).
• Driving the economy
Make sure that Cornwall ‘s Regional Aid creates a lasting legacy:
– green jobs;
– super fast broadband;
– planning controls on out-of-town retail;
– bigger and independent University of Cornwall .
• Cornish culture
Promote Cornish distinctiveness:
– stadium for Cornwall ;
– enhanced recognition of Cornish culture and institutions.
• Minister for Cornwall ?
Promised (along with 46 other local Ministers) by the Conservatives before the General Election.
– Cornwall needs more power, rather than a Governor sitting in Whitehall
.
Andrew George MP
Stephen Gilbert MP
Dan Rogerson MP
17th May 2010”
This article prepared for Celtic News by Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General Secretary Celtic League. For follow-up comment or clarification contact:
Tel: 0044 (0)1209315884
M: 0044(0)7787318666
rhisiart.talebot@gmail.com
gensec@celticleague.net
J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information
Celtic League
20/05/10