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Economic Development

Sir Keir Starmer urged to provide 'clarity' over Cornwall funding

Cornwall Council leader Leigh Frost has written to the prime minister outlining his concerns

Cllr Leigh Frost, leader of Cornwall Council (Image: Lee Trewhela / LDRS)

The Prime Minister is being urged to provide "urgent clarity" on whether Cornwall will continue to receive local growth funding.

Cornwall Council leader Leigh Frost (Liberal Democrats) has written to Sir Keir Starmer asking whether the county is set to be phased out of the financial support.

The letter comes in response to recent announcements suggesting future growth investment may be targeted only at mayoral city regions.

Mr Frost wrote: “If government does intend to remove this support from Cornwall, the consequences would be severe. It would represent a missed opportunity for this government to choose to work together with Cornwall to continue the huge strides made through the local growth funds over the past two decades in transforming our economy."

Mr Frost warned that moving to a two-tier funding model could "hold back productivity and growth" by weakening regions such as Cornwall that still need investment.

“Our region still faces some of the lowest wages, highest levels of in-work poverty, and deepest structural economic challenges in the country," the letter stated.

"Progress over the past two decades has been achieved thanks to consistent, predictable, place-based investment. Removing that investment would risk reversing hard-won progress, damaging confidence and deterring private investment.”

Councillor Tim Dwelly (Independent) supported the call for answers from government.