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Progress on One Cornwall

ONE CORNWALL TEAM UPDATES STAKEHOLDERS ON PROGRESS AND INVITES THEM TO BECOME INVOLVED IN PLANS FOR THE NEW COUNCIL


As the programme to transform the face of public services in Cornwall gathers momentum, key figures and community leaders are meeting leaders of the One Cornwall team to discuss progress and to hear how they can become more involved.

The One Cornwall team is hosting an event at the Headland Hotel, Newquay for partners and stakeholders on 16 January 2008.

The aim of the day is to give partners and stakeholders the opportunity to become involved in the implementation plans of the new authority. Representatives have been invited from a variety of different organisations including the voluntary, community and business sectors, Town and Parish Councils, trade unions and partner organisations including Police, Health, Education, and the Regional Development Agency.

“The One Cornwall team is being established and is bringing together a mixture of experience and skills from the district, borough and County councils. Now we want to work closely with our partners and stakeholders to help shape the plans for a new approach to local Government in Cornwall” said David Whalley, Chair of the Joint Interim Committee.

David cont: “We would also like the partners and stakeholders to become involved in the implementation process, and continue to make us aware of the key issues and requirements”

The day begins with an introduction from Blair Thomson Chair of the Cornwall Strategic Partnership, followed by a panel discussion with the Chief Executive of Cornwall County Council Sheila Healy, Chair of the Joint Interim Committee David Whalley and One Cornwall Programme Director Mark Jones.

"Cornwall already has a good reputation for partnership working and an event like the Stakeholder Day is yet another example of keeping people informed and involving all sectors in developing the new governance structure for the County." said Blair Thomson, Chair of Cornwall Strategic Partnership.

He cont: "There's still a lot of work to be done to ensure that the new authority is fit for purpose and, since the devil is always in the detail, this is part of the process of ensuring that those details are worked out to the benefit of all the people."

The Chief Executive of Eden, Tim Smit will be giving an inspiring address ‘A Unified Cornwall’ at 12.15pm.

Tim Smit explains his support: “One council for Cornwall represents a fantastic opportunity. We need to shape the future of Cornwall and make bold, brave decisions”

He added: “It is extremely important that those committed to Cornwall do not ignore this change and that they give their intellectual knowledge to back the future of the County”

Following Tim’s presentation delegates will be able to participate in various workshops. These include:
• How partnerships will work;
• The future Cornwall Development Agency;
• How customers can access the new council;
• The local role of Councillors.

“We hope the day will give our partners and stakeholders the opportunity to realise they can contribute to this transformation. We want to create an organisation that delivers strong leadership, a strong voice for local communities and excellent, responsive, cost-effective services,” said Councillor Janey Comber, Member of the Joint Interim Committee.
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NOTES TO EDITORS

Notes to editors
On 5 December 2007, Local Government Minister, John Healey, announced that Cornwall was one of five counties to be allowed to re-structure local government and set up a flagship new authority to promote prosperity, empower citizens and communities and improve public services.

The new Council for Cornwall will start on 1 April 2009 and will replace the current County and District Councils. Elections will take place later that year.
The radical programme of change is being led by a Joint Committee of County and District Councillors supported by officers from all seven principal councils with help and involvement from partner organisations

Enquiries
Davinia Grist and Annie Moore
One Cornwall Communications and Marketing
Tel: 07773 342905 / 07770 538 448
Email: dgrist@cornwall.gov.uk / amoore1@cornwall.gov.uk