Residents invited to help shape a bolder, stronger Plymouth

Local people in Plymouth are being invited to help shape the future of their city, as part of the Council’s work to develop a proposal for local government reorganisation.  

Local government across the country is under immense financial pressure and the government has announced that it wishes to move to a system of unitary councils by removing the two-tier current county/district model that exists in Devon. There is no magic money tree. Without bold reform, councils will struggle to sustain the services people rely on. That’s why Plymouth is taking action — not just to survive, but to thrive. 

Local government reorganisation is about more than redrawing boundaries. It’s about securing the future of Plymouth. It’s about building a Plymouth where our children can afford to live, where jobs are plentiful, where neighbourhoods are vibrant, and where services are modern, accessible, and resilient so it can respond to the challenges of the future. 

Our proposal for a modest boundary extension to embrace the 13 closest parishes to the city offers a unique opportunity to combine the best of both worlds — we want to create a vibrant city set within a beautiful rural environment of thriving towns and communities, with the highest quality of services delivered across the whole area. 

Over the past few weeks, Plymouth City Council has been listening to communities in the South Hams. Now, it’s time for residents within the city to have their say. Five engagement events will take place across Plymouth in the coming weeks, alongside an online survey open to all. 

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of Plymouth,” said Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council. “We’ve already heard from our neighbours in the South Hams — people who care deeply about their local identity, their local voice, and their parish councils.  Now, we want to hear from the people who live and work in Plymouth every day. 

“We are ambitious for this city and we really think we will be stronger together in this ’new Plymouth’. We have to develop exciting new plans to address the future housing and jobs needs of the city.  One example of something we are already working on which shows our ambition are our plans to deliver around 12,000 new homes in the city centre. We’re also driving forward a £6 billion investment pipeline to create 25,000 new jobs and support 1,000 businesses. We’re regenerating neighbourhoods, transforming transport, and investing in schools, health, and culture. From a new NHS dental practice to the £21 million sports and community hub with Plymouth Argyle, we are building a city that works for everyone.” 

“But to make all of this possible and more— and to protect the services our residents depend on — we need a local government that’s fit for the future. That’s what this conversation is about. And we want Plymouth people to be part of it.” 

Get Involved: 

• Sign up to receive the latest information about LGR here: www.plymouth.gov.uk/lgr   
• Attend one of five engagement events happening across Plymouth – see the dates below and information for registering. 
• Take the online survey and help shape the future of your city before 3 August 2025. Have Your Say Today: Plymouth Survey - Big Community Conversation

Event Details: