SAJID Javid, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, visited Cornwall earlier this month where he met representatives of local councils, including deputy leader of Cornwall Council Adam Paynter, who is also the liberal democrat ward member for Launceston North and North Petherwin.

Mr Javid also met business leaders, health, housing and education providers and voluntary and community organisations to discuss progress in delivering the Devolution Deal awarded to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly last year and to hear about the area’s post Brexit plans for the future.

The Secretary of State also toured the Aerohub Enterprise Zone at Cornwall Airport Newquay and signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding with Cornwall Council and Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.

John Pollard, leader of Cornwall Council, said: “We were very pleased to welcome the Secretary of State to Cornwall. We know that he is keen to understand the distinct aspects of life and work here and we were delighted to explain the schemes and opportunities that are available through our work with our partners and the implementation of our Devolution Deal.

“As trailblazers for rural devolution we are keen to move onto the next stages of devolved powers and especially our ‘double devolution’ so that more freedoms and responsibilities can be shared with parish and town councils.”

Mark Duddridge, chairman of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The visit was about showing the Secretary of State the scope of our ambition and our commitment to creating jobs and growth as we strive to close the earnings and productivity gap with other parts of the UK.

“His continued commitment to Aerohub is most welcome and we took the opportunity to brief him on our work with the British Business Bank to create a new multi-million investment fund that would directly support local business growth.”

Mr Javid said: “Devolving power to where it belongs — in the hands of local people who know their area best — is a key part of our plan to create an economy that works for everyone.

“From the Enterprise Zone at Newquay to the devolution deal for the Duchy, I’ve been impressed by the energy across Cornwall and the drive to make sure these locally-led efforts succeed.”

The Memorandum of Understanding outlines the commitment between the Government, Cornwall Council and the LEP for the delivery of the enterprise zone.