On Wednesday, 12th March, Plymouth City Council announced plans to grow the city as part of the Labour Government’s reorganisation of local government. The plans for expansion include 13 neighbouring parishes from the South Hams and approximately 30,000 additional residents. The plans do not include the three South West Devon parishes in West Devon Borough Council.
While the Council Leader Tudor Evans claims it will “deliver better public services, create more jobs, and build much-needed new homes” which will “empower our communities like never before”, others have cynically described it as nothing more than a land grab. Rebecca Smith MP has shared her views in a written statement and invites affected residents to complete her survey.
Rebecca Smith MP, Member of Parliament for South West Devon, stated:
Whilst the removal of two-tier councils such as Devon County and South Hams/ West Devon District Councils is effectively a done deal, how local councils are reorganised is not. It has become clear that the Labour Government is rushing the entire process, and I will be pushing to ensure enough time is given to make the right decisions.
Ms Smith expands on three key points which should concern any expansion of the city of Plymouth:
Any plans must not be a Plymouth land grab. It must be done collaboratively and ensure the final decision is in everyone’s best interests. Every part of South West Devon - communities in Plymouth, the South Hams and West Devon - all need to feel future benefits.
Your voices are crucial. That is why I have launched a survey to collect the views of affected residents and am calling on Plymouth City Council to ensure a full consultation with local councils, residents, businesses and other organisations right across the constituency. The voices of South West Devon must be listened to not just by Plymouth City Council, but by the Government as they make their decisions.
Decisions must balance financial benefits with local identity and community. Any decision will have an impact on local identity and community so must be based on reality and not hoped-for financial efficiencies. Data shows that the cost saving the Government wants to see will only be reached in councils of 500,000 or more. Plymouth’s current plan is for a council of 300,000. Evidence of the financial benefits for all must be provided as Plymouth City Council consults with communities.
Since Plymouth City Council put forward their proposals for local government reorganisation, Devon County Council and Devon's district councils have put forward their own separate plans. More information on all three can be found below.
Plymouth City Council's proposal to expand Plymouth into South Hams can be found here: https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/news/plymouth-city-council-unveils-ambitious-local-government-reorganisation-plans
Devon County Council's plans which promise to put 'residents first' can be found here: https://www.devon.gov.uk/news/county-commits-to-residents-first-focus-as-it-considers-reorganisation-options/
Devon's district councils have also put together a joint proposal, known as the 1-4-5 plan, which can be found here: https://www.southhams.gov.uk/news/2025/council-leader-challenges-government-local-government-reorganisation