One Cornwall - A unified council for Cornwall
In April 2009, the services you currently receive from the District, Borough and County Councils will be delivered by a new single council. A unified council for Cornwall.
What is a unified council for Cornwall?
A unified council for Cornwall will be a new council that covers the whole of Cornwall. It will take the very best elements from the six existing District and Borough Councils (Carrick, Kerrier, Restormel, Caradon, Penwith and North Cornwall) and Cornwall County Council to create a streamlined and more efficient council.
Why are things changing?
Cornwall has taken advantage of an opportunity to improve local service delivery and give a stronger voice to Cornwall. In 2006 the Department for Communities and Local Government published a White Paper on Local Government called 'Strong and Prosperous Communities'. The White Paper included an invitation to councils in "two-tier" areas to submit proposals for re-organising local government. ("Two-tier" means where some local services are provided by a County Council and some by a District or Borough Council.) Cornwall County Council believes there is a strong case for reform and submitted proposals for a streamlined, unified council in Cornwall. In July 2007 following detailed scrutiny of Cornwall's proposals, Local Government Minister, John Healey, confirmed that Cornwall would be granted unitary status.
Aims and Objectives
The strategic aim is to transform local government for Cornwall and achieve a strong, sustainable community for one and all by providing strong leadership, local flexibility and engagement, and responsive, cost-effective services. The main objectives for the new council and its partners will be to:
- drive economic progress
- promote personal wellbeing
- enhance and protect the environment
- tackle climate change
- build strong, sustainable, cohesive communities
- meet housing needs including the delivery of affordable housing
- manage growth
When will the new council be set up?
The new unified council will begin on 1 April 2009 and the first elections for the new council will take place in May 2009.
How will it affect me?
It is of vital importance that council services are not disrupted, and in April 2009 most people will continue to receive the same or a higher standard of services – they will simply be provided by a different authority.
However, what will become apparent very quickly is that all public services will be delivered by one organisation – no longer will people need to discuss their recycling, council tax and planning consents with a district council, and their social care, highway concerns and school enquiries with Cornwall County Council – all of these services will be the responsibility of the new authority.
To find out more please visit the
One Cornwall Website