Cornwall Council has condemned the Government’s decision to cut all its funding for the Cornish language.

The Government has provided up to £150,000 a year to support the Cornish language since it was recognised under the Charter for Regional and Minority Languages in 2003. This grant has been used to support the development of the language, including funding a range of educational activities.

At the end of last year the Council was asked by the Government to submit a bid for funding for the current financial year. This bid was supported by MPs George Eustice and Sarah Newton, as well as Cornish Members of the House of Lords, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP.

But the Council has now received a formal letter from the Department of Communities and Local Government stating that it was not providing any further funding to support the development of the Cornish language – despite the recognition of the Cornish people as a national minority in April 2014.

Julian German, the Council’s cabinet member for economy and culture, said: ’The Cornish language is a great source of pride for Cornwall and is part of what makes Cornwall and the Cornish unique. Over the last five years use of the language has increased and this is reflected in street names, signage and on mainstream and social media. Just as importantly, it supports our local and visitor economy as the increase in the use of the language in marketing and tourism has proved.

’The Government’s decision not to support Cornish with any funding whatsoever goes against the international agreements they have signed up to and that makes no sense at all.

’The Prime Minister makes a point of telling us how much he loves Cornwall and the Devolution Deal highlights the Government’s recognition of our unique culture and heritage. However, when it comes to backing those statements up, the Government just doesn’t deliver for Cornwall.’ 

The decision has also angered Malcolm Bell, Head of Visit Cornwall, who said: ’The Cornish language is an essential part of the Cornwall brand.’

Cornwall Council will be working with the Cornish language, community and representative organisations such as the Gorseth to discuss how to protect and develop the Cornish language in the future.