THE Government is being urged to continue backing the Great South West Partnership (GSWP), following confirmation national funding for the organisation will ed next April.
GSWP brings together Somerset, Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall, uniting councils, universities, local enterprise partnerships, and businesses to promote the region as the UK’s ‘natural powerhouse’.
Its focus is on clean energy, agritech, digital connectivity, and tourism, sectors vital to Britain’s economic growth and energy security.
Since being formally recognised by Government in 2023, the partnership has received £1.5 million of core funding over three years, managed by Cornwall Council.
Ministers have now confirmed a final, time-limited grant of £281,250 for 2025/26, after which the scheme will close.
Exmoor political campaigner and farmer James Wright, who chairs the regional Conservative Rural Forum, said: “From Hinkley Point to Exmoor and the Celtic Sea, the Great South West is powering Britain’s future.
“Ending its funding now sends the wrong message to the thousands of rural and coastal businesses driving growth and innovation.
“Government should be helping this partnership evolve, not extinguishing it, turning a modest £1.5 million of seed funding into a platform for billions in private investment and real jobs for local people.
“Labour have invested millions into their traditional heartlands.
“Now, they must give the South West its fair share.”
Former Transport Minister Kevin Foster, who was Torbay’s MP and worked with the partnership during his time in Government, said: “The Great South West has shown how our region can speak with one voice.
“It has brought together local authorities and businesses to deliver real opportunities in clean energy, maritime innovation, and rural enterprise.
“But this success risks being lost just as it starts to deliver.
“Every other part of England has had long-term backing through ‘Northern Powerhouse’ or ‘Midlands Engine’ models, the South West deserves the same.”
