Kernow: FoI Update

This news published by the Celtic League:

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

KERNOW: FOI UPDATE

Following a recent Freedom of Information (FoI) Request sent to Cornwall Council by the Kernow Branch Celtic League, a response has been received.

The request covered a number of related issues including representations in respect of the Cornish National Minority made during the Planning Inspector's recent examination of the Cornwall Local Plan Strategic Policies, a request to view written communications between representatives of Cornwall Council and Simon Emerson to include emails where matters relating to the Cornish National Minority are referred to and a request to have sight of Cornwall Council's Equality Impact Assessment in respect of the Cornish National Minority.

Perhaps rather surprisingly although it is nearly 15 months since the Cornish National Minority were recognised as such and incorporated into the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, a rather tardy Cornwall Council only now appear to be getting to grips with this issue!

The League understands that a Cornish National Minority officer is to be appointed within the Council.

The Kernow Branch has made over 50 FoI requests this past 12 months. The BBC have been the most reticent and unhelpful resulting in the League registering a formal complaint against the Corporation with the Information Commissioners who are currently investigating the matter. This is set against the background of one complaint made by the Kernow Branch against the BBC being upheld by the Commissioners.

Having played a part in the gaining of National Minority Status for the Cornish by what has been described as some politicians as 'effective, targeted and persistent lobbying' , members of the League are extremely conversant with the FCPNM and its provisions.

"Reference Number: 101002177185

Response provided under: Freedom of Information Act 2000

Request

We request to know what representation was made by Cornwall Council in respect of the Cornish National Minority to Simon Emerson, Inspector, during his examination of the Cornwall Local Plan Strategic Policies held during May, 2015.

We further request sight of all written communications between representatives of Cornwall Council and Simon Emerson to include emails where matters relating to the Cornish National Minority are referred to.

Finally, we require sight of Cornwall Council's Equality Impact Assessment in respect of the Cornish National Minority.

Response:

1) The information requested for item 1 is a matter of public record and is available on the Cornwall Council website. Below is a link to the appropriate page to find the information.
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/…/cornw…/local-plan-examination/

2) I can confirm there has been no additional communication between Cornwall Council and Inspector Simon Emerson in regards to the Cornish National Minority status.

3) Cornwall Council is currently drafting its policy response to the Framework Convention following the publication of the Council of Europe’s fourth report submitted by the UK Government on 8 April 2015. A copy of which is available here - http://www.refworld.org/publisher/COESFCPNM.html

A Comprehensive Impact Assessment is being developed alongside this policy which will be published on our website at the time the policy is considered and ratification by Members.

The Council’s current guidance on Cornish National Minority Status can be viewed on our web site at:
http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/…/equal…/cornish-minority-status/
Information provided by: Customers and Communities Service

Date of response: 8th July 2015"

Mike Chappell
AGS / Convener KBCL

(Article Source Michael Chappell - AGS)

J B Moffatt (Mr)

Director of Information
Celtic League

09/07/15

THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE.

The Celtic League was established in 1961and has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues

http://celticleague.net

‪#‎celticleague‬