Prime Minister Andy Burnham says Cornwall could get powers usually reserved for mayors without electing one. Options include retaining local income-tax receipts, a mayoral infrastructure levy and a housing partnership; he hopes for a deal soon to cover 2027 onward.
Burnham said his conversations with Cornwall's six MPs had found them supportive of a deal. He said it must reflect local wishes and would not be imposed. Local income-tax retention, he cautioned, would be some way down the line; he cited the county's business-rates-retention pilot as an incentive for local economic growth. He hopes to agree a deal this year, or soon, to prepare for 2027 onward.
On an overnight visitor levy, Burnham asked whether local council taxpayers should bear the cost of services for visitors, including policing, transport and waste collection. He said tourists might not object to a few extra pounds and argued funding could improve their experience and draw more visitors. He said the idea needed careful development and a decision by Cornwall's politicians with public input.
