“A report, commissioned by the BHA says that people living in seaside towns are more likely to be poorly educated, unemployed, unemployable, lacking in ambition, claiming benefits and living in multiple occupation housing. …
… According to the Department for Communities and Local Government 2015 Index of Multiple Deprivation, nine out of the 10 most deprived neighbourhoods in England are seaside communities. …
… workforce.
The association, which represents more than 40,000 businesses in the sector, cites the successful regeneration of areas along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and east Devon as examples of how the British seaside can recover.
It has produced a seven point action plan to breathe new life into seaside towns which calls on the Government to:
Appoint a seaside csar to coordinate a coherent response across all departments and spending, much like Lord Heseltine’s work in Liverpool in the 1980s.
Establish Coastal Action Groups, to develop a coordinated response and investment strategy to target the specific social and economic challenges that seaside towns face.
Create a progressive tax environment, including a reduction in Tourism VAT, to encourage coastal businesses to invest in themselves.
Create Coastal Enterprise Zones to incentivise investment and encourage businesses to move to the coast and create jobs.
Invest in critical infrastructure and improve broadband, rail and road connections, and protect against the threat of rising sea levels.
Improve education and training provision for young people and adults to ensure that they have the skills for a variety of sectors.
Support local authorities to tackle social issues and housing problems which reduce their attraction as visitor destination.
Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the BHA said: “The British public want to enjoy the British Seaside, and those living in coastal communities want a thriving economy.” …
East Devon Watch 