State of the South West

Foreword

“Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it".

So said Samuel Johnson in the 18th century, and who would disagree in 2004? In masterminding the State of the South West, the Observatory has brought together more knowledge of our region than we would otherwise know. It is a comprehensive statement of the South West’s characteristics: our environment, our society and our economy. It describes some of the trends of recent years, and highlights some of the challenges facing the region.

Demand for this information has grown, not just because we are naturally inquisitive, but as we have realised that decisions need evidence, not instinct or guesswork, to be robust. And also because decisions about public services, and how best to make Government policies work, can’t be taken in isolation from a context of broader social, environmental and economic issues.

State of the South West has been produced to inform policy and decision makers at all levels, regional through to local, in the public sector. It is a resource for senior people in regional and local government bodies, and for elected representatives. But not exclusively so. We hope that this breadth of regional intelligence will be equally useful for business, education, voluntary, community, and funding organisations, and not least for the public. All those, in fact, with a part to play in shaping the future of the region.

Tim Render
Director of Sustainability, Intelligence & Rural Affairs, Government Office SW
Chair of the South West Observatory Management Board 2004

The State of the South West report is part of the South West Observatory, a regional partnership of public sector bodies. Chapter copyright remains with the chapter authors. See the terms and conditions for more infomation. For all queries regarding this report please contact the Core Unit.