People work hard in Cornwall but often the only jobs offer low wages and temporary contracts.

Cornwall needs a strong local economy, where more of people’s needs are met by local businesses, using local materials.

Cornwall has plentiful natural resources – the sea, wind, sun and landscape. Local industries should be encouraged that tap into these resources and create a sustainable economy.

Tourism

Cornwall’s tourism sector needs to go green: reducing water and energy consumption, encouraging sustainable travel, and valuing local food, culture and customs. There are plenty of examples of best practice that can be expanded.

Food and Farming

Farming and food production is an area where Cornwall can meet more of its own needs. Support for small farmers is needed as well as training to ensure that the skills of smallholding and low-impact food production are not lost.

Animal welfare is vital to good food production, and the Council has a role in promoting and policing welfare.

Localism

Money spent in the local economy brings wide benefits. The Council and the public sector can provide a massive boost to local jobs and industry by introducing a strict 'buy local' policy in all sourcing.

Rather than spending millions chasing 'inward investment', which exports profits, the council needs to support and grow local enterprise.

Our Vision for the Economy

Thriving markets and centres in every town, selling a range of goods to meet people’s everyday needs. An end to the development of out-of-town retail parks.

Nurturing social enterprises and co-operatives that are locally owned and where the profits generated benefit the community.

Investing in local people. The creativity, skills and problem-solving ability of residents need to be encouraged, so that we can shape our own future, rather than relying on ‘inward investment’.