Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of a devolved Cornish assembly.

This Government was elected on a manifesto to widen and deepen devolution across the country. We believe that economic prosperity, productivity, and social cohesion are best achieved by devolving powers to local areas who best understand the needs of their communities. We will shortly be publishing a White Paper outlining an ambitious new framework for English devolution. The White Paper will present a clear and attractive offer, and we are eager to work with all areas, including Cornwall, to expand devolution across England. This follows our minded-to decision in September to progress a non-mayoral deal with Cornwall Council as a first step towards deeper devolution subject to local agreement.