This week’s Budget wasn’t just about numbers—it was about priorities. For Plymouth and the South West, this Budget brings real opportunities to improve lives, strengthen our economy, and invest in the services that matter most.
Putting Families First
One of the most significant announcements was the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap. This is a policy I’ve campaigned against for years because it punished children for circumstances beyond their control. In Plymouth, where around 10,000 children—18.6%—live in poverty, and in some wards that figure rises to 1 in 3 children, this change will make a tangible difference. Hundreds of families will see more support, helping them put food on the table and keep the lights on. It’s a clear signal that fairness is back at the heart of government policy.
Another hugely welcome move is the removal of the cruel rape clause —a long-overdue step towards fairness and dignity for survivors
Energy bills are another area where households will feel relief. The removal of legacy charges will cut bills by around £150 a year. For families already stretched by rising costs, this is a welcome step. Combined with the freeze on regulated rail fares, it means more money staying in people’s pockets—whether they’re heating their homes or travelling to work.
Investing in Health and Wellbeing
The Budget commits to the biggest public investment in four decades, including funding for 250 new Neighbourhood Health Centres nationwide. These centres will bring GPs, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists under one roof, starting in the most deprived areas.
In Plymouth we can already see some progress on the major NHS projects that are already underway. Derriford Hospital is receiving £200 million as part of the New Hospital Programme to build a state-of-the-art Emergency Care Building, nearly doubling the size of the current emergency department. Money that had been promised by the previous Government but was left unfunded. This facility will include advanced diagnostic imaging, four interventional radiology theatres, and five surgical theatres, transforming urgent and emergency care for the South West.
Since 2023 I have been proposing the idea of a health village in the city centre, and so am pleased that, alongside the new building at Derriford, we can see clear progress on the Community Diagnostic Centre in Plymouth city centre. This centre will deliver over 91,000 tests a year, including MRI, CT, ultrasound, and cardiology investigations. This will make it easier for people to access vital tests close to home, reducing delays and improving outcomes.
These investments are not just bricks and mortar—they’re about creating a modern NHS that meets the needs of patients today and tomorrow.
Backing Plymouth’s Economy
Our local economy is built on small businesses, hospitality, and retail—the lifeblood of our high streets. Permanent business rate reductions for these sectors will help keep doors open and staff employed. Plymouth has over 5,900 registered businesses, employing nearly 38,500 people, and these measures will provide a lifeline for many of them.
The Budget also includes expanded investment allowances and relief for companies listing on the UK stock market. While that might sound distant from everyday life, it sends a strong signal that Britain is open for business—and Plymouth can share in that growth. With our thriving marine sector, creative industries, and tech start-ups, we’re well placed to attract investment and create jobs.
Defence and Skills
As Britain’s Ocean City and the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, Plymouth is proud of its role in national defence. I’m delighted the Chancellor name checked Plymouth and reaffirmed the billions of investment the Government is making in the dockyard. Devonport Dockyard is not just a cornerstone of our security—it’s a major employer and a hub for innovation. Thousands of skilled jobs depend on this investment, from engineers to apprentices. As I said recently:
“The opportunity to build 5,500 homes in the city centre will provide jobs and homes for local people and will directly support the growth of our strategic industries, especially the Dockyard.”
This investment will safeguard jobs and create opportunities for apprenticeships and training. It’s about securing Plymouth’s future as a centre of excellence for engineering and maritime industries.
Culture and Community
Let’s not forget the role of culture in our economy. The Box, Plymouth’s flagship cultural venue, has already delivered £244 million in economic impact since opening, alongside £100 million in health and wellbeing benefits.
Culture is not just about entertainment—it’s an economic driver and a source of civic pride. Plymouth’s Theatre Royal Production and Learning Centre, TR2, is a jewel in our cultural crown. Located in Cattedown, TR2 is a world-class facility where sets and costumes for major productions—including West End and international shows—are designed and built. It employs a permanent team of skilled craftspeople and scenic artists and has grown its turnover from £350,000 to over £2 million in the last decade.
With the Budget’s commitment to regional growth, we can build on successes like this to make Plymouth a destination for culture as well as commerce.
Building a Fairer Future
Of course, challenges remain. We still need long-term solutions for housing, social care, and SEND provision. But yesterday’s Budget gives us tools to start building that fairer future. It’s now up to all of us—government, council, businesses, and communities—to seize these opportunities.
I want to recognise that getting Britain back on track has taken time. In this Budget everyone has been asked a little more, with an emphasis on those with the broadest shoulders, the new High Value Council Tax Surcharge for homes over £2million is a good example of this.
Nationally, I know that the Government is also committed to reducing the national debt they inherited. Today, one in every £10 of taxpayers’ money in the UK is used to pay the debt interest – money that should be going to our NHS, our schools, and other vital public services. OBR estimates suggest that the choices taken in this Budget will reduce inflation to 0.4% next year and more than double headroom to over £21.7 billion. A higher buffer means more certainty for working people and businesses, reducing the need to change tax and spending plans when there are changes in the economy, and providing the stability we need for future economic growth.
Growth is up. Investment in defence and the NHS is up. But I’m acutely aware that we need to do more. I know that Plymouth has a bright future, and this Budget gets us a step closer to realising it.
Plymouth is Britain’s Ocean City. We have the talent, the ambition, and the community spirit to thrive. With the right investment and leadership, we can make Plymouth a city of prosperity and pride for everyone who calls it home.