Ben Maguire calls for powers for Cornwall Council to revive high streets

Liberal Democrat MP Ben Maguire, representing North Cornwall, urged the UK government to grant Cornwall Council additional powers to rejuvenate declining high streets. He told Parliament that the council currently lacks authority to convert vacant shops into community facilities, a shortfall he linked to the region’s failure to secure recent Pride of Place funding.

Maguire highlighted towns such as Bodmin, Launceston and other North Cornwall centres, saying that “Cornwall desperately needs a proper devolution settlement” so the council can take back empty premises for community use and other beneficial purposes.