Seb Noble

Cornwall Council leader Leigh Frost says the merits of an overnight tourist levy require serious consideration, arguing that visitors could contribute to the cost of local public services without undermining tourism. Prime Minister Andy Burnham supports giving Cornwall the power to introduce the charge through a devolution deal and calls it a potential new revenue stream. Tourism businesses, including Mother Ivey's Holiday Park, oppose the proposal, warning that higher accommodation costs could deter visitors, reduce spending on local businesses and damage the visitor economy.

Cornwall Council leader Leigh Frost says the county should have a serious discussion about introducing a tourist tax, potentially enabled through a devolution deal proposed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Frost argues that visitors could contribute to local public services, but says the levy must not damage tourism. Burnham describes the proposal as a potential major new revenue stream, while tourism businesses, including Mother Ivey's Holiday Park, warn that higher accommodation costs could deter visitors, reduce spending and harm Cornwall's economy.

Cornwall Council has asked the UK Government for permission to include Cornish alongside English on new and replacement road signs. The council says bilingual signage would promote the language, strengthen local pride and cost no extra because signs would change only when already due for replacement. The Department for Transport supports the Cornish language but says strict design and language rules are necessary for road safety, adding that it plans to consult on updated road-sign legislation. Supporters argue that greater visibility would reinforce Cornish’s status and encourage more people to learn and use it.

Residents in Cornwall report sharp increases in water bills after the installation of new smart meters by South West Water, prompting concerns about meter accuracy. Customers describe unexplained spikes in recorded usage, with some facing hundreds of pounds in additional charges despite leak tests showing no issues. South West Water maintains that the meters are accurate and already widely used, stating it is investigating all cases brought forward. The Consumer Council for Water advises affected residents to contact their supplier and use its calculator to estimate expected usage.

A Cornish livestock farmer warns that frequent changes in environment secretaries risk undermining the UK government's new long-term farming roadmap and updated subsidy scheme. Although the roadmap aims to boost technology adoption and offer long-term clarity, he fears political instability and limited budgets could constrain delivery. The government says the plan will help farmers reduce costs, manage extreme weather and invest with confidence.