The Lord Mayor -

(a)

Former Councillor, Lord Mayor and Alderman Frederick Johnson

reported that Alderman Johnson had passed away, aged 99 years on 14 March 2015 after a short illness.  The Council stood in silence for one minute, as a mark of respect.

(b)

Her Majesty the Queen’s visit to Plymouth

informed the Council that he had welcomed Her Majesty the Queen to Plymouth on Friday 20 March 2015 before moving on to HMS Ocean for a reception.

(c)

City Council Elections

thanked the Council, particularly Councillors Mrs Nelder, John Smith and Stark who would be standing down in May 2015.

(d)

Councillor Achievement Awards

congratulated the Leader on his prestigious award of the Leader of the Year which was part of the 2015 Councillor Achievement Awards.

(e)

Sustainable Food Cities Bronze Award

presented Darin Halifax, Cities of Service Chief Service Officer, with the Sustainable Food Cities Bronze Award on behalf of the Food Plymouth Partnership.

(f)

iESE Innovation Award (Bronze)

presented Jenny Coles, Low Carbon Officer, with the iESE Innovation Award (Bronze) for the proactive support in the establishment and ongoing development of Plymouth Energy Community and PEC Renewables.

(g)

iESE Working Together Award (Silver)

presented Gareth Hart, chair of the Plymouth Social Enterprise Network, with the iESE Working Together Award (Silver).

(h)

Regional School Chef of the Year

presented Sharon Cundell, Kitchen Manager of St Edwards Church of England Primary School with the award for Regional Chef of the Year.

(i)

Apprenticeships 4 England Award 2015

presented Ken Holder, Senior Apprentice Co-ordinator, Ricky Souch, Apprentice Co-ordinator and Jacob Ellis, Apprentice with the Large Employer of the Year Award which had been given at the Apprenticeships 4 England award 2015.

The Leader –

(j)

Inward Investment

informed the Council that a suite of marketing publications had been produced over the last 12 months as well as attending various events in order to promote Plymouth. The work had been successful in creating links, lines of communication and new jobs.

(k)

Train Announcement

informed the Council that the Secretary of State for Transport had announced extra electric and diesel trains for the south west to increase capacity and provide faster links. A final decision on new trains for the area would be made in June 2015.

(l)

Plymouth Airport

commented on the announcement in the budget by George Osborne (Chancellor of the Exchequer) that there would be a study into whether an airport in Plymouth was viable.  A study had already taken place which had resulted in the land at the airport being protected until 2031.  The Leader appealed to the Chancellor for funding to get the airport up and running.

(m)

Enterprise Zone

advised the Council that South Yard had been announced as an Enterprise Zone which allowed money raised in the yard to be reinvested in the yard and would provide many benefits which would assist the City’s objective for growth.

The Leader thanked all officers and partners for the hard work which had resulted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76