Plans for a new regional authority with an elected mayor for Devon and Cornwall could be “absolutely transformational” for Plymouth. Stuart Elford, chief executive of Devon Chamber of Commerce, is backing the devolution plan which could see the creation of a South West Peninsula Mayoral Strategic Authority.
Mr Elford said the proposal would not mean the end of local council control in Plymouth but would give the region access to large amounts of Government funding. And he said it would strengthen the region’s voice in Westminster.
Plymouth City Council this week voted at an urgent emergency general meeting to back creation of a South West Peninsula Mayoral Strategic Authority covering Plymouth, Devon, Torbay and Cornwall. But there were dissenters.
Mr Elford called for blanket support for the plan and said the Devon Chamber fully supports the formation of a Devon and Cornwall combined mayoral authority.
When asked if the proposed strategic authority would be transformational for Plymouth he said: “Absolutely.” Mr Elford said: “Devon Chamber calls upon politicians from all sides across the region to do whatever it takes to make this happen. The Government has made it clear that this is the only way that priority funding will be allocated and we simply cannot be left behind again.”
He added: “It would strengthen all of us. 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.
Stuart Elford, chief executive of Devon Chamber of Commerce
(Image: William Telford)
“Let’s put petty personal politics aside and work together on the big stuff. This retains local identity and local control while opening access to strategic funding that otherwise we would miss out on.
“We have been ignored for too long because Westminster sees the South West as disjointed and unable to agree on strategic matters. This gets us to the table, and Devon and Cornwall can be recognised in Westminster.”
Plymouth City Council this week called an urgent meeting of all 57 councillors to discuss the way forward after the Labour Government’s publication of the English Devolution White Paper. This is set to create a bill which will go through Parliament this year with the ambition to have mayoral elections in 2026 and a new council structure in place by 2027.
Plymouth City Council has proposed setting up the South West Peninsula Mayoral Strategic Authority,led by an elected mayor, but stressed Plymouth would continue to be self governing, and likely to have a say in the regional strategy.
Cllr Evans told the meeting: “The devolution of powers and funding to local decision makers will enhance our ability to focus on our priorities such as increasing investment in our roads and public transport, providing better access to education and skills, tackling health inequalities and building new homes. We must seize this opportunity to bring more powers and funding to the peninsula.”
He added: “The benefits of a combined authority across the South West peninsula are obvious. Whilst Plymouth, Devon, Torbay and Cornwall are different places with our own cultures and identities, we also share distinct geographic characteristics, have clearly established economic connections, share existing public service boundaries, and of course already work together closely across a number of major programmes. We want to make the peninsula a thriving region whose unique interests are heard and understood by central government.
“By coming together to form a strategic authority we would have a combined population of 1.8million residents, giving us a seat at the grown-ups’ table where we make sure the voice of all of our communities is heard.
“We will be able to access additional powers from central government, streamline local decision-making, and unlock significant opportunities for our residents and businesses. In short, a Peninsula Strategic Authority covering the geographies of Cornwall, Devon, Torbay and Plymouth represents a once in a generation opportunity for regeneration and renewal.”
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