Andy Burnham has backed Cornwall Council's ambition to become a single strategic foundation authority. He made his position clear in a letter to Leigh Frost (Lib Dem), the council leader.
In the letter, the prime minister acknowledged the council's efforts to create a devolution model that avoids the unitary combining with other councils by becoming a singular foundation strategic authority.
Mr Burnham wrote: "I recognise the continued efforts that you and your team at Cornwall Council are making to deliver for the local community, driving forward a rural model of devolution that champions the best of what Cornwall has to offer."
He continued: "I also want to pay tribute to the ongoing work with the Ministry of Housing, Community & Local Government to designate the council as a single foundation strategic authority."
Mr Burnham's correspondence was a response to a letter sent to him by Cllr Frost, in which Frost stressed his wish for Cornwall to be a single strategic authority. He also hinted at a future devolution partnership with the Isles of Scilly.
Cllr Frost said: "Cornwall is seeking a devolution settlement that reflects our unique geography, culture and economy, and gives us parity with mayoral authorities while respecting Cornwall's established governance and identity."
Cornwall Council wants to establish a strategic authority with itself as the only constituent authority. It had previously [rejected a cross
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