Devon freeport promises thousands of new jobs

Plymouth Hoe (image courtesy: Robert Pittman:Creative Commons)

'It's all about getting the best for our residents'

A tax-busting ‘freeport’ could create 3,500 new jobs across Plymouth and South Devon, councillors have been told.

Plymouth is one of eight freeports in England – the others are at Harwich, Humber, Liverpool, Solent, Thames, Teesside and also East Midlands (where an airport will be the ‘port’).

The government claims small businesses in freeports will be able to cash in on new finance opportunities through tax and customs incentives.

The Plymouth plan means employment land being used at locations including Langage and Sherford in the South Hams.

South Yard in Plymouth will be the centrepiece, with industrial units and offices, while Langage and Sherford will eventually be home to manufacturing units, warehouses and storage.

The government gave Plymouth the go-ahead last December, and its new status has already helped it attract grant funding. Now it is building relationships with its neighbours.

Supporters say it will ‘supercharge’ the local economy and bring in millions of pounds in investment from outside the area. But opponents still question claims that freeports can increase productivity and improve growth.

South Hams District Council has already signed up to a partnership with Plymouth City Council and Devon County Council to advance the freeport project, and members of the council’s executive have now agreed a long list of measures to support it.

An executive meeting heard some members had serious misgivings about the concept, but council leader Julian Brazil (Lib Dem, Stokenham) replied: “How much influence do we want to have? Do we want to be inside the tent or outside it?

“Even if we pull out, the freeport will still go ahead. How do we get the best for our residents?

“We could be inside and influencing, rather than totally disengaging and not having any influence at all.”

Cllr John Birch (Lib Dem, Totnes) added: “This council’s involvement provides South Hams with future benefits and opportunities.”

He said it could bring £300 million in new investment to Plymouth and South Devon, and with it 3,500 jobs. Business rates collected in the freeport zone would be retained inside it, and Cllr Birch said that could mean £24 million for the South Hams in the freeport’s first 25 years.

“It’s a 25-year project and it’s crucial that we play an active part in it,” he said.

Cllr Nicky Hopwood (Con, Woolwell) added: “We will pull together and get the best out of this freeport for the residents and businesses of the South Hams.”