Plymouth reacts to plans for new regional authority and elected mayor
Plans to establish a south west peninsula mayoral strategic authority, complete with an elected mayor for devon and cornwall, have sparked mixed reactions among Plymouth residents. While some view the proposal as a potential game-changer for the region, others have criticised it as an unnecessary addition to local governance.
Stuart Elford, chief executive of the devon chamber of commerce, has voiced strong support for the devolution plan, describing it as “absolutely transformational” for Plymouth. He argued that the proposed regional authority could unlock substantial government funding, strengthen the region’s influence in westminster, and enhance local decision-making.
Mr Elford reassured critics that the proposal would not eliminate local council control. Instead, he emphasised that the initiative would provide Plymouth city council with greater access to funding. “It is another layer of local government; it does not replace local government, we don’t lose control. It’s about access to more money for plymouth city council,” he said.
Mixed reactions from residents
Despite Mr Elford’s optimism, plymouth Live readers remain deeply divided on the issue. Many expressed concerns over additional bureaucracy and questioned the necessity of an elected mayor.
KenJohnson1 voiced scepticism about plymouth’s influence under the new arrangement, suggesting, “The Mayor will hold the purse strings based in Exeter no doubt. The best option is for Plymouth to take control of the South Hams and Torbay and the south coast, giving at least 800,000+ [residents], leaving the rest of devon for exeter to run.”
Another commenter, thaumag, highlighted concerns over voter participation, drawing parallels with police and crime commissioners. “These regional mayors will be seen by many as unnecessary, and democratic participation will be minimal. Looking down through the UK’s regional mayoral election results proves the point – many were voted in with a very small percentage of the available votes,” they said.
Triggerandhisdoggo echoed concerns over inefficiency and cost, stating, “More politicians equals more bureaucracy, which will equal more tax money stolen from us. If there is more cash available, why can’t we have it without extra politicians, or even have a tax cut?”
Others questioned whether the new authority would truly benefit plymouth. Plaintosee argued that the move might be politically motivated, stating, “Local elections should still take place, but obviously Labour would lose too many seats, so this ‘emergency’ intervention is required!”
Support for economic potential
While scepticism remains, some commenters saw the potential for economic progress. Albertgate described the plans as “very promising” and “progress for plymouth ocean city.”
AJGreen pointed to the benefits of increased funding and local control, stating, “The councils and the government are democratically elected to provide the services we need. Given the reins means they spend our taxes how they see fit. If they fail to do that, then the next election means change.”
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves also welcomed the proposal, highlighting its potential to drive economic growth. “Growing the economy is the number one mission of the Government,” she said. “This public commitment from one of the UK’s largest independent pension master trusts to invest here, at home in Britain, will help drive economic growth and support our milestone of improving living standards across the UK.”
Calls for collaboration
As debate continues, the success of the proposed regional authority will hinge on its ability to deliver tangible benefits for Plymouth and the wider South West. Proponents like Mr Elford stress the importance of collaboration between local councils, the business community, and government.
“We are demonstrating how a responsible asset owner, operating at the right scale, can invest in both the best interests of its members and the benefit of the wider economy in which they work,” Mr Elford concluded.
However, with residents deeply divided over the plans, the path forward for Plymouth’s involvement in a regional mayoral authority remains uncertain.
