Issue details

Plymouth City Council’s Local Government Reorganisation Proposal for Devon

To seek agreement to the submission of Plymouth City Council’s Local Government Reorganisation Proposal for Devon in response to the Statutory Invitation issued by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government under Section 2 of the of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Public Health Act 2007.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Significant impact on communities living or working in two or more wards;

Decision status: For Determination

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 20/10/2025

Open/Exempt: Open;

Decision due: 24 November 2025 by Cabinet

Comment: Members of the Cabinet are: Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Councillor Jemima Laing, Councillor Mary Aspinall, Councillor Sally Haydon, Councillor Chris Penberthy, Councillor Sally Cresswell, Councillor Mark Lowry, Councillor John Stephens, Councillor Tom Briars -Delve and Councillor Sue Dann.

Lead member: Leader of the Council

Lead director: The Chief Executive

Department: Chief Executive

Contact: Ross Jago, Head of Devolution and LGR Officer Email: ross.jago@Plymouth.gov.uk.

Consultees

Between 29 May 2025 and 04 August 2025, the Council undertook the "Big Community Consultation" on its proposals for local government reorganisation, with additional engagement events and meetings held with local businesses, public sector partners, and communities in both the proposed extension area and Plymouth extending through to 08 October 2025. This engagement was designed to meet the four Gunning Principles and respond to government requirements, particularly concerning community engagement and stakeholder support. The Council adopted a multi-channel strategy to reach a wide and diverse audience across all affected areas, including a dedicated project website, tailored surveys, facilitated conversation events, stakeholder briefings, and a targeted media campaign. The engagement was structured to allow meaningful input before the final business case is submitted to Government, taking place at a formative stage whilst the proposal was still being developed. Clear and accessible information was provided throughout, residents and stakeholders had adequate time to respond, and feedback was conscientiously considered and has directly informed the development of the final proposal. This comprehensive approach reflects our commitment to moving progressively from informing and consulting towards collaborating and empowering, building community confidence and capacity along the way.

Making Representations: Please contact ross.jago@plymouth.gov.uk if you would like to make representations. Any non-confidential document(s) may be obtained from the officer contact by email or from Plymouth City Council, Council House, Plymouth, PL1 2AA.

Information to be considered by the decision makers: Cabinet Cover Sheet, Plymouth’s Local Government Reorganisation Proposal (November 2025), Plymouth Local Government Reorganisation “Big Community Consultation” Report, EIA, CIA and any other relevant documentation.

Is this decision due to be taken in private? (Yes/No): No.

Reasons for private decison: N/A

Decisions

Agenda items