"We've been looking at various ways to boost the estate's income which would allow us to reduce the subsidy such as putting up marquees for weddings, but it's still a work in progress, " he said.

BBC: Mount Edgcumbe fears prompted by funding cut proposal

Several leftish academics have advocated an updated version of the 1930s Works Progress Administration in which the jobless could be put to socially useful work, such as building low-income housing or providing childcare.

ECONOMIST: The jobs summit