PM pressed on super-council plan

Broadband is changing services said County council leader David Whalley

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been urged to support a plan to give greater powers to Cornwall County Council.

The county council is pressing the government for unitary status, in which it would take over the powers of the county's seven district councils.

Proposals for unitary status are opposed by most of the county's district councils who question claims about increased efficiency.

County council leader David Whalley has invited Mr Brown to visit the area.

Challenges faced

In his letter, Mr Whalley outlines details of the bid for unitary status, stressing the Council's aim to "engage with local communities".

And he adds that the government could hand over some of its own powers in the future.

He said: "We would be keen to work with government and offer Cornwall as an area where new ideas about devolution of responsibilities can be tried out.

"I welcome your personal pledge to strengthen local government with greater devolution of responsibilities to people and communities."

Mr Whalley also said Mr Brown should come and see the "huge change" in the county's economy.

"Objective One funding is helping to revitalise our economy, while the advent of digital technologies such as broadband is leading to dramatic innovations in the way council services are delivered," he said.

"I want Mr Brown to come to Cornwall to see these changes for himself and talk to us about the opportunities and the challenges we face."