The pay gap between Cornwall and the rest of the country is getting worse, according to research commissioned for the Liberal Democrats. Whereas in 1979 weekly wages in Cornwall were 80% of the national average, data for 2006 shows that Cornish gross weekly wages amounted to just three-quarters of the national figure.
Following yesterday's meeting between the group of South West Liberal Democrat MPs and South West Water's Chief Executive, Chris Louglin, fears are growing that the Government's plans to transfer ownership of private sewers to water companies will place a further financial burden on the people of the South West.
Local MPs have lashed out at Housing Ministers after confirmation that the national housing crisis predicted in twenty years is already happening in Cornwall. According to new research from the Government's National Housing and Planning Advice Unit, by 2026 housing prices across the country are expected to have risen to ten times average annual earnings. House prices in Cornwall, however, frequently exceed that, as they have risen at an exceptionally fast rate over recent years while incomes have remained well below national averages.
After new figures reveal that Devon and Cornwall Constabulary has been bringing a declining number of crimes to justice, Cornwall's MPs have accused Labour of failing to tackle crime. The figures, released today, show that only 15.3% of offences resulted in a conviction.
Cornwall's hospitals are still struggling with deficit while other trusts nationwide run at surplus because the Government penalises them financially, according to the five Cornish Liberal Democrat MPs in the wake of new financial figures released today.
Government plans for a points based system for immigration could have a massive detrimental impact on the performing arts, according to Liberal Democrat Arts and Culture Spokesperson, Paul Holmes MP.
