From

To

Subject

1

Councillor Nicholson

Councillor Stevens

With reference to planning consents at the Royal William Yard and car parking issues at Devil’s Point, could an update be provided on the car parking strategy in relation to Devil’s Point?

Councillor Vincent responded that he would provide a written response.

2

Councillor Bowie

Councillor Williams

The Rt Hon Michael Gove (Secretary of State for Education) had made an announcement on the rewards from the provision of free school meals. What was the council’s position? This matter could be picked up as part of the ‘Narrowing the Gap’ exercise.

Councillor Williams responded that following a pilot in two areas on the provision of free school meals, it had been found that attainment had been increased and productivity had been improved. She was disappointed that the council (following a motion submitted at the time) had not taken the opportunity to be part of the pilot scheme.

3

Councillor Darcy

Councillor Lowry

Did he agree that, with the shortfalls in the budget, there was a need to ensure value for money for services, for example in planning?  Would he apologise for wasting council tax payers money by calling in a planning application to Planning Committee and not speaking to it.   

Councillor Lowry responded ‘yes’ to the first part.  He called in the planning application because he felt it was important for the Planning Committee to look at it.  He registered to speak but did not need to do so.

4

Councillor Bowyer

Councillor Williams

Was she aware of the opinion by European Union lawyers on the financial transactions tax which says that the tax was not compatible with existing laws and was discriminatory?  With reference to a previous motion approved by the council on this, would another motion be introduced? 

Councillor Williams responded that she would seek guidance from officers on the implications.

5

Councillor  Dr Mahony

Councillor Vincent

Could he be updated on the progress of the reinstatement of the football pitch following the removal of spoil associated with the Life Centre project?  

Councillor Vincent responded that the site would be levelled with topsoil to provide a football pitch and that the Friends of Central Park would be kept informed of progress.  The reinstatement was not part of the Life Centre project and he could not provide an exact date for the work at the present time. 

6

Councillor Jordan

Councillor Williams

Did she think that it was acceptable for four and five year olds to travel across the city to school? There were no reception places either in Plympton or Plymstock and was it acceptable for parents to be advised to send their children to either Wembury or a free school, with no support?

Councillor Williams responded that 80 per cent of children had received their first choice of school this year.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53