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Anger as Government cuts all funding for Cornish language

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

The Government had provided up to £150,000 a year to support the language since it was recognised under the Charter for Regional and Minority Languages in 2003.

But they have now withdrawn all money, with immediate effect.

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.

– Julian German, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Culture

In recent years the grant has been used to support the development of the language, including funding a range of educational activities.

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.

– Julian German, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Culture

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 .

This Government is committed to Cornwall as shown by our historic devolution deal – the first county deal in the country.

On top of this, Cornwall will have a core spending power of £1.7 billion over the next four years.

It is for local councils to decide what their priorities are and fund the services local people want to see.

– Department of Communities and Local Government spokesman