Cornwall Council facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cornwall Council Konsel Kernow
Coat of arms
Council logo
Type
Type	Unitary authority of Cornwall
History
Founded	1 April 1889
Leadership
Chair	Rob Nolan, Liberal Democrat Since 20 May 2025
Leader	Leigh Frost, Liberal Democrat Since 20 May 2025
Chief Executive	Kate Kennally Since 11 January 2016
Structure
Seats	87
Political groups	Administration (42)      Liberal Democrat (26)      Independents (16) Other parties (45)      Reform UK (28)

     Conservative (7)

     Labour (4)

     Green Party (3)

     Mebyon Kernow (3)

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Cornwall Council (which is Konsel Kernow in Cornish) is the local government for Cornwall in South West England. It helps run many services for people living in Cornwall. From 1889 to 2009, it was known as Cornwall County Council.

Since 2009, it has been a "unitary authority." This means it handles all local government jobs that used to be split between different councils. The council's main office is called Lys Kernow in Truro. Since July 2024, no single political group has had full control of the council. After the May 2025 election, the Liberal Democrats and independent councillors teamed up to lead the council.

How Cornwall Council Started

Early Days of the Council

Local councils like Cornwall Council began in 1889. They took over jobs that were previously done by unelected judges. The first elections for the council happened in January 1889. The council officially started on April 1, 1889. Their first meeting was at the Municipal Buildings in Truro. The first leader of the council was William Edgcumbe, 4th Earl of Mount Edgcumbe.

Municipal Buildings, Truro: Where the County Council met from 1889 to 1912

Changes Over Time

In 1974, Cornwall was reorganised. Before this, there were many smaller local councils. After 1974, Cornwall had six main areas: Caradon, Carrick, Kerrier, North Cornwall, Penwith, and Restormel.

Then, on April 1, 2009, these six areas were removed. Cornwall Council took over all their jobs. This made it a "unitary authority," meaning it does everything. At this time, the council also decided to drop the word "county" from its name, becoming "Cornwall Council."

More Powers for Cornwall

People in Cornwall have been asking for more local control since 2000. This is called "devolution," which means moving power from the main government in London to local areas. In 2009, a Member of Parliament suggested giving more power to Cornwall Council.

Over time, some powers were given to Cornwall Council. In 2015, these included things like local bus services, education, and health care. In November 2023, even more powers were agreed upon. These new powers included adult education and promoting Cornish culture and the Cornish language.

How Cornwall Council Works

Who Controls the Council?

Since 2009, Cornwall Council has managed all local services. Cornwall is also divided into smaller areas called parishes, which have their own local councils.

Since July 2024, no single political party has had enough councillors to be fully in charge. This is called "no overall control." After the May 2025 election, the Reform UK party won the most seats. However, they could not find other parties to work with them. Instead, the Liberal Democrats (who had the second most seats) and independent councillors formed a group to run the council.

Here's how political control has changed since 2009:

Leaders of the Council

The main leader of Cornwall Council since 2005 has been:

Who Sits on the Council?

Map of Cornwall Council's electoral areas as of May 2025

After the 2025 election, here's how many councillors each group has:

Council Elections

Cornwall is divided into 87 areas, and each area elects one councillor. Elections for Cornwall Council happen every four years.

Where the Council Meets

The main office for Cornwall Council is Lys Kernow in Truro. This building was built especially for the council and opened in 1966. Before that, the council met in other buildings in Truro. From 1912 to 1966, they met at County Hall on Station Road.

Old County Hall, Truro: The Council's headquarters from 1912 to 1966

Cultural Services and Projects

Cornwall Council provides many services, including public libraries. There is a main library in Truro and smaller ones in towns and villages. There are also special libraries, like the Cornish Studies Library, and a mobile library service.

The council is also working on cultural projects. One idea is to create a National Theatre of Cornwall. This would involve groups like the Hall for Cornwall and the Eden Project. Another project is to build a Cornish National Library to keep important historical documents safe and make them easier for people to see. The council is also involved in plans to build a Stadium for Cornwall.

Recognising Cornish Identity

Cornwall Council supports the idea of the Cornish being recognised as a "National Minority" in the UK. This would give them the same official status as other Celtic groups like the Scots, Welsh, and Irish. The council believes this recognition is important for Cornish culture and identity.

In 2010, the council's chief executive wrote to the government asking for this recognition. In 2011, it became official council policy. The council also helped promote the option for people to identify as Cornish on the 2011 UK Census. Finally, on April 24, 2014, the British Government officially recognised the Cornish as a National Minority.

Cornwall Youth Council

Cornwall Council has a special group for young people called the Cornwall Youth Council (Konsel Yowynkneth Kernow in Cornish). This group lets young people aged 11 to 25 have a say in local decisions.

The Youth Council has 12 elected members. These members are chosen by young people across Cornwall in elections held every two years. They represent different areas of Cornwall. There are also members who represent groups that might not always be heard, like those from the LGBTQ community or young people with special needs or disabilities. Once elected, these members also choose the five Members of Youth Parliament for Cornwall.

Notable Members

• Dick Cole, leader of Mebyon Kernow and councillor for St Dennis and St Enoder.
• Loveday Jenkin, deputy leader of Mebyon Kernow and councillor for Crowan, Sithney and Wendron.

See also

• Council of the Isles of Scilly
• Cornish Nationalism