Plymouth City Council has announced bold plans for local government reorganisation, presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure the future of the city and improve the quality of life for all residents, including those in the proposed extended boundaries.
The UK government’s recent White Paper on devolution and local government reorganisation aims to bring power closer to the people. As part of that process Government has called time on two tier council structures, like those which currently exist in Devon. Plymouth City Council is responding by proposing to expand its administrative boundaries. This will ensure the huge potential for sustainable growth and opportunity to deliver value for money services, will be achieved.
The Government has requested that councils submit their interim proposals on 21 March 2025. In advance of a submission, members will discuss key principles for any boundary extension and all the available options at a Full Council on 17 March.
This includes a preferred option, known as the Plymouth Growth Area. This option proposes extending the city's boundaries to include 13 neighbouring parishes, approximately 30,000 additional residents. This modest expansion would create a more cohesive and efficient local government structure for the City, better equipped to meet the needs of our growing population.
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: "This is a pivotal moment for Plymouth and the residents in our neighbouring parishes.
“Our preferred option for local government reorganisation will strengthen our city's identity and bring significant benefits to our residents. Through a modest boundary expansion, we can deliver better public services, create more jobs, and build much-needed new homes. This reorganisation is essential for our long-term financial sustainability and will empower our communities like never before.
“Plymouth is the growth hub for the south-west. Our offer to Government, and to local businesses and residents, is that we are an ambitious Council, we have a fantastic track record of delivery, and that there is a huge pipeline of growth potential if we grasp this opportunity now.
“For those residents living within the proposed extended boundary, many of them already have strong ties to the city. Our proposal will not only ensure that they have one clear point of contact for all their needs, from waste collection to education, but it will also result in significant financial savings that can be reinvested into vital community services.
“We still have a long way to go and over the weeks and months ahead we are committed to working alongside these communities as we move through to a detailed business case. We will work with Parish Councils and other local stakeholders to co-design what the future could look like, creating a solution that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of all communities.”
The Full Council will review the detailed plans and recommendations on 17 March 2025, followed by a Cabinet Meeting on the 19 March. This is in advance of the interim business case being submitted to the Government on 21 March.
For more information see our Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation web page Or see the full report.