Greater local control in a post-Brexit Britain should gain increasing importance according to a new devolution plan for Cornwall.

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Leadership Board claims its New Frontiers plan has the potential to increase the region’s contribution to the UK economy by £2 billion and to support the delivery of at least 20,000 additional jobs by 2030.

The board includes Cornwall Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner, Cornwall Association of Local Councils, NHS Kernow, Cornwall Health and Wellbeing Board, local economic and nature partnerships, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and representation from one of Cornwall’s Members of Parliament.

The authors say: ‘If supported by central government, this ambitious plan will make Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly the world’s first ‘net extractor’ of marine plastics, making sure less plastic enters the sea and that more is extracted.

‘It will also boost our renewable energy, creative and digital technologies, space technology and lithium mining industries.

‘Lithium is the raw material used in, amongst other things Tesla car batteries.’

Leader of Cornwall Council and chair of the Leadership Board Adam Paynter, said: ‘We believe the New Frontiers plan could transform not just our regional economy but also the future prosperity of the country as a whole.

‘The Leadership Board is united in our ambition to persuade government of the importance of matching our ambitious plans with the resources and powers necessary to make them a reality.

‘The plan also outlines how we can close the gap between our economy and the UK average.’

He said as the first and only non-metropolitan area with an existing devolution deal, Cornwall has been a ‘trailblazer for how devolved powers and funding can unleash a rural region’s potential’.

Cllr Paynter said: ‘Some people might argue that this second, more ambitious deal is a distraction when the country is at a major crossroads negotiating its future relationship with Europe.

‘However, we believe is precisely the time to discuss opportunities - the moment when this country is exploring new trading opportunities and considering how new legislation will be developed.’

The New Frontiers plan being submitted to government ministers this week can be seen at www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/32528517/new-frontiers-2018.pdf