The Coastal West Sussex Partnership would like to join other local organisations in urging the Government to consider the appointment of a Coastal Minister.
The UK’s coastal areas have long been in decline and suffer from a number of issues that have their roots in the dwindling of core industries. Tourism, port activities and traditional manufacturing all in long-term decline.
By their nature, coastal towns are on the periphery of the country often with only a 180 degree market and poor transport links to major urban centres, making it less attractive for businesses to start and grow. This results in a low wage, low skill economy which creates consequential social problems.
Coastal towns need to reinvent themselves and, in order to do that, need the cross-cutting support of Government. A Minister with dedicated responsibility for coastal towns would be a positive first step in making that happen.