The following question was submitted by Greg Black:

Question: Some residents in this city are on the cusp of being considered mentally competent to make decisions and care for themselves. Meaning these people are very vulnerable and at risk or harm or self neglect. How does the council support these people and what support is there for them?

Response: We understand that it is a worrying time for families and individuals when a loved one appears to become unwell or seem unable to make decisions for themselves. This can be caused by many factors, including their physical or mental health. It can mean they struggle to make decisions about their health or care needs, or their finances. We know that having the capacity to make decisions is not fixed and for some people does change and fluctuate depending on how well they are at the time.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (known as the MCA) is the legislation that sets out how we should approach assessments in these circumstances. The MCA starts with the assumption that people have the capacity to make decisions for themselves and sets out the process when there is a need to challenge that fundamental assumption. There are a range of health and social care professionals that carry out Mental Capacity Act Assessments (MCA). These are grounded in our best understanding of people’s needs and wishes. Often people are supported by family and friends through this process.

We do also have support for people who are going through this process via advocacy services like those provided by the Highbury Trust. We have support for the family or friends of the person via our carer’s services, which are provided by Improving Lives Plymouth and also support and advice available from other VCSE partners including Age UK.

The following question was submitted by Chaz Singh:

Question: After the horrific fire at Luton Airport have PCC carried out their own fire and risk assessments for their multi storey and ground level car parks owned by them. Can you provide these and when they were carried out?

Response: Thank you for your question.

All Council car parks are subject to risk assessments. These risk assessments review a wide range of

risks and hazards alongside the measures that are in place to mitigate risk, for the purpose of helping

to keep people safe. Risks assessments are reviewed at least annually, and additionally upon any occasion that a car park may be subject to a change or where we may have had a report of a near miss or accident.

These risks assessments include checks such as the operation of fire doors and that access and

egress routes are clear.

Risk assessments can be updated at any time where, at the time of writing, the last risk assessment was reviewed and updated on 21st October 2023. We can provide you access to any of the car park risk assessments that you would like to see.

The following  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49