Cornish Social & Economic Research Group
» About Us
CoSERG's early activity was related to work undertaken in the context of the structure plan process, which culminating in CoSERG publishing 'Cornwall at the Crossroads' in 1988.
This was a major book outlining the issues facing Cornwall. It took a detailed and holistic look at the recent economic and social history of Cornwall and explained the prevailing policy responses and their shortcomings. The book pointed to the strengths of Cornwall and how its potential could be realised. Though acclaimed as a significant, groundbreaking report, the impact on policy making was negligible. Those issues highlighted in 1988 still remain – excessive population growth, unaffordable housing, low earnings, unsustainable development pressures and environmental degradation. What has changed has been the economic context, with the UK economy enjoying a period of sustained growth and Cornwall acquiring Objective One status, now superseded by Convergence funding. To some extent this has exacerbated the problems facing Cornwall.
What are CoSERG's aims?
CoSERG's overall aim is to provide a Cornish perspective on social, economic and political issues.
Within this its key aims are to:
i) undertake research relevant to Cornwall and the Cornish people;
ii) provide information and support to any organisation that shares CoSERG's concerns;
iii) collate and assess relevant research material;
iv) encourage Cornish graduates and other researchers to engage in research relevant to Cornwall and the Cornish people.
Just after the release of 'Cornwall at the Crossroads' CoSERG participated in the Examination in Public in 1989 of the Cornwall Structure Plan. Later in the year, the group’s 'Roads to Superjam', a discussion paper on major road building proposals around Truro. was instrumental in providing evidence against planned new roads. At the same time 'A Raw Deal for Hayle (and Cornwall)' was published. This questioned the environmental and social wisdom of planting a huge luxury housing development on a ‘major European wildlife site’ a project which would have sterilised one of Cornwall’s north coast harbours.
In 1992, CoSERG followed up its interest in transport policies and expanded on the proposals in 'Cornwall at the Crossroads' by producing the widely acclaimed report 'Water, Water Everywhere', a discussion document which reviewed the lack of a coherent maritime policy. In 1994, the report 'Empowering Cornwall' was released, a response to the Local Government Review, which argued the case for regional government for Cornwall and introduced the concept of community councils at the local level to provide services and link community and governance.
Over the years CoSERG has published a number of other discussion papers critiquing current policy, exploring planning issues, transport and governance. CoSERG has also contributed to a series of consultations, most recently the draft Regional Spatial Strategy and the documents produced by Kerrier District Council under the Local Development Framework process. CoSERG also responded to the recent Local Government Review consultation, with a paper 'One County Less Democracy' concluding: "It does not empower local communities; It will do nothing to reduce the current democratic deficit and in fact lead to a loss of democratic accountability; It inhibits the possibilities for a proper reform of Cornish governance that would make it 'fit for function'. CoSERG will continue to respond, review and research issues of concern, providing a fresh, imaginative and alternative critique of policy and proposals.
Giving us feedback
What to do if you have come across some new research or have a comment about a CoSERG document:
Email us using the email address (contacts and feedback page) providing as much information as possible and include your contact details
OR
Use the feedback form via the link in the left- hand columb. Again giving us full information and contact details where relevant