Cornwall Council facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cornwall Council Konsel Kernow
Whole council elected every four years
Coat of arms
Council logo
Type
Type	Unitary authority with combined authority powers
History
Founded	1 April 1889
Leadership
Chair	Pauline Giles, Conservative Since 25 May 2021
Leader	Linda Taylor, Conservative Since 25 May 2021
Chief Executive	Kate Kennally Since 11 January 2016
Structure
Seats	87 (44 needed for a majority)
Political groups	Administration (45)      Conservative (45) Other parties (42)      Independent (18)      Liberal Democrat (13)      Labour (5)      Mebyon Kernow (5)      Green Party (1)
Length of term	4 years
Elections
Voting system	First-past-the-post
Last election	6 May 2021
Next election	1 May 2025
Meeting place
Lys Kernow, Treyew Road, Truro, TR1 3AY

Cornwall Council (Cornish: Konsel Kernow) is the local government for Cornwall in South West England. It used to be called Cornwall County Council until 2009. Since then, it has been a "unitary authority." This means it handles all local services, like schools and roads, in one place. The council's main office is Lys Kernow in Truro.

What is Cornwall Council?

Cornwall Council is like the local government for Cornwall. It makes decisions and provides services for everyone living there. It was first set up in 1889. Back then, it was called Cornwall County Council.

In 2009, things changed. The six smaller local councils in Cornwall were removed. Cornwall County Council then became "Cornwall Council." It took over all the jobs these smaller councils used to do. This made it a "unitary authority," meaning it handles all local services for the whole area.

How the Council Works

The council is made up of elected councillors. These councillors represent different areas of Cornwall. They meet to discuss local issues and make decisions.

Who is in Charge?

The council has a "leader" and a "chair." The leader is in charge of the council's main decisions. The chair leads the council meetings.

Here are the leaders of the council since 2005:

Council Members Today

The council has 87 councillors. They belong to different political groups. Since the 2021 election, the Conservative Party has had the most councillors.

Here's how the council is made up:

The next election for councillors will be in 2025.

Elections and Divisions

Cornwall Council Electoral Divisions map as of May 2021

Cornwall is split into 87 areas called "electoral divisions." Each division elects one councillor. Elections happen every four years.

Where the Council Meets

The main office and meeting place for Cornwall Council is Lys Kernow. It is also known as New County Hall. This building is in Truro and opened in 1966.

Before 1966, the council met in other buildings in Truro. From 1912 to 1966, their headquarters was at Old County Hall, Truro.

What the Council Does

Cornwall Council provides many services for people in Cornwall.

Local Services

• Libraries: The council runs public libraries across Cornwall. This includes a main library in Truro and smaller ones in towns and villages. There are also special libraries for Cornish history and arts.
• Cultural Projects: The council supports projects to boost Cornish culture.
  • One idea is to create a "National Theatre of Cornwall." This would work with local arts groups.
  • Another project is to build a "National Library of Cornwall." This would help keep important Cornish historical documents safe.
  • The council is also involved in building a Stadium for Cornwall.

Supporting Cornish Identity

Cornwall Council strongly supports the idea that Cornish people are a "National Minority" in the UK. This means they have a special cultural identity, just like the Scots or Welsh. The council has worked to get this recognition. In 2014, the British Government officially recognised the Cornish as a National Minority. This gives them the same status as other Celtic groups in the UK.

Working with Other Regions

The council works with other regions, especially Finistère in Brittany, France. They share ideas and work together on projects. This helps them get funding from Europe. One project is MERiFIC, which looks at using energy from the sea.

Cornwall Council also takes part in the British–Irish Council. This is because the Cornish language is part of the council's work.

Notable Councillors

• Dick Cole: He is the leader of the Mebyon Kernow party.
• Loveday Jenkin: She is the deputy leader of Mebyon Kernow.

See also

• Council of the Isles of Scilly
• Cornish Nationalism