Local economic recovery planning in Plymouth City Council

Recovery planning in Plymouth epitomises the best of local government across the country. It has been driven by inspiring civic leadership working with highly competent officers who have emphasised the importance of place, community and partnership working with the private sector.

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A graphic depiction of Plymouth's covid-19 economic recovery plan

Recovery planning in Plymouth epitomises the best of local government across the country. It has been driven by inspiring civic leadership working with highly competent officers who have emphasised the importance of place, community and partnership working with the private sector. What has been exceptional about Plymouth’s response is the open and transparent way the City has developed and communicated its vision, priorities, and specific actions. This has helped to generate a shared sense of purpose and momentum.

Plymouth’s approach is embodied in ‘Resurgam’ it’s Covid 19 Economic Recovery Plan and call to action. Its not a document or strategy, but instead a constantly developing programme of analysis and engagement focused on delivering better outcomes for the city’s residents and businesses.

"This is about getting things done, having clear goals backed up by a robust plan. But a good plan is no good unless it unites people in a common purpose.

So this is also a call to action, to do what Plymouth does best, to pull together to face an unprecedented challenge." - (Resurgam, introduction)

As the lockdown became a reality Plymouth immediately recognized the importance to developing an economic plan alongside the emergency response. They were also very aware that the crisis would have different phases and would require an iterative process of action and reflection to define a pathway to recovery based on good evidence and data. The standout features of Resurgam – ‘I will rise again’ include:

  • A highly engaging and well visited website which has developed from an initial vision into a comprehensive set of plans, projects and regular news
  • A sector led approach working through existing partnerships that quickly established 11 action plans which are being taken forward as opportunities arise
  • Spend 4 Plymouth to keep more council spending in the city and maximise benefits for residents and the economy – approx. £21m more spending locally than last year.
  • Skills 4 Plymouth to aid the recovery and address future skills demands, including a one-stop-shop to match employers needs with skills providers and adult and young people.
  • Resurgam Dashboard which provides a public facing analysis of progress being made against recovery objectives as well as local economic and public health data.