Bid to revive language sparks 'value for money' debate

A councillor has questioned whether there is public demand for Cornwall Council's strategy to promote use of the Cornish language.

It was during a meeting to discuss the draft Cornish Language Strategy for 2026-2036 that Reform UK councillor Sean Smith asked if public demand justified the investment.

Smith, councillor for St Cleer and Menheniot, queried whether proposals reflected the priorities of the population or the "relatively small group of committed language advocates".

Among councillors to defend the strategy was Liberal Democrat councillor Sarah Preece, who said it was "absolutely critical" that Cornwall, its minority status and its language were "protected and celebrated".

During discussions about ongoing proposals to revive Cornish (Kernewek) language, Smith questioned whether the annual funding of £170,000 was "an appropriate use of council funds" at a time when Cornwall "faces significant pressure in housing, adult social care, children's services and also economic inequality".

He also questioned the scale of the proposed strategy - including the foundation of the first bilingual Cornish language school - in relation to public demand.

The new strategy comes after the recognition in 2025 by the UK Government of Cornish under Part III of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages.

It includes a framework to ensure Cornish becomes a "forever language" which is spoken, seen and heard in "everyday life".

With the previous 20 years having focused on the language receiving greater visibility and being "heard", new proposals centre around opportunities to "learn"the language.

Preece, councillor for Lostwithiel and Lanreath, said the cash came from the government's devolution settlement, as opposed to council coffers.

She said the project would not have reached its "third phase" were it not for the "will, hard work and interest," adding it was "critically important" for Cornwall.

Mebyon Kernow councillor Loveday Jenkin said: "I see a lot of Cornish speaking in the community which I didn't see 50 years ago.

"People who come in with no knowledge of the language don't realise how much it has grown in the last 50 years. It behoves us as Cornwall Council to support that change."

The meeting heard 30 schools were currently using the Go Cornish language programme, with a waiting list of others wanting to take part.

There also a number of adult evening classes across the Duchy, with the desire to widen that to "self-led and immersive" learning.

Mark Trevethan, the council's principal lead for culture, said they were "always lobbying" the government to support the project financially.

Meanwhile, Councillor Andrew Mitchell, chairman, said advanced notice of the questions would have been helpful and Smith would receive a written response from officers.

Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.