Cabinet Members will be asked to make any declarations of interest in respect of items on this agenda. 

No declarations of interest were made.

To sign and confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11 August 2025.

Cabinet agreed the minutes of the meeting held on 11 August 2025 as an accurate record.

To receive questions from the public in accordance with the Constitution.

Questions, of no longer than 50 words, can be submitted to the Democratic Support Unit, Plymouth City Council, Ballard House, Plymouth, PL1 3BJ, or email to democraticsupport@plymouth.gov.uk. Any questions must be received at least five clear working days before the date of the meeting.

There was one question from the public.

To receive reports on business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be brought forward for urgent consideration.

There were no items of Chair’s urgent business, but during this item Councillor Evans OBE made the following comments:

a)    The congratulations of the Cabinet were expressed to Luke Pollard MP on his appointment to Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence (MoD);

b)    Plymouth has been named as one of five key national defence growth areas in the UK Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy which promised long-term benefits for families, communities and future generations;

c)    The announcement had built on other recent developments in Plymouth, including being designated the national centre for marine autonomy, £350 million investment from defence firm Helsing, Babcock’s expansion into Sherford, and the confirmation of Plymouth and South Devon Freeport (PASDF) as a defence strategic investment zone;

d)    A £4.4 billion investment into the naval base and Babcock’s Devonport Dockyard would support the next phase of the Navy submarine programme with operations extending to at least the year 2070;

e)    Team Plymouth would strengthen collaboration between key organisations, foster innovation, and create high quality jobs;

f)     The defence growth deal investment would support a wide range of initiatives including strengthening local skills programmes, renewable energy systems, nuclear operations and autonomy, drive innovation through the advanced marine technology hub at the University of Plymouth, support dual use capability development, marine science, critical national infrastructure, and local infrastructure;

g)    This was a defining moment for Plymouth, making it not just a strategic hub but a vibrant and attractive place to live, work and invest.

Councillor Sally Haydon (Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Libraries, Events, Cemeteries & Crematoria) introduced the Proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for the management of anti-social behaviour in designated Plymouth City Council Car parks report.

Matt Garrett (Service Director for Community Connections) and Tracey Naismith (Head of Community Safety) will also be in attendance.

The report requested the implementation of a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for a period of 3 years in nine council-owned car parks across Plymouth. These locations had experienced a sustained increase in anti-social behaviour (ASB), resulting in heightened safety concerns, a rise in complaints to both the Council and Devon and Cornwall Police, and reports from members of the public and local business owners indicating that they no longer feel safe using these facilities.

Decision

Cabinet agreed this proposal and supported the making and implementation of the PSPO with the suggested prohibitions.

Reasons for decision

PSPO’s are designed to empower local authorities to deal with anti-social behaviour that adversely affects other people using public spaces. In this case the introduction of a PSPO is a reasonable, legal and proportionate response to ongoing anti-social behaviour. It would increase feelings of public safety and support our police colleagues in tackling behaviours that are persistent and detrimental to residents. The proposed prohibitions are measured and considered and suitably justify the restrictions imposed by the notice.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet considered the alternative options as set out in the report

Councillor Haydon (Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Libraries, Events, Cemeteries and Crematoria) introduced the item and highlighted the following:

a)    The Proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) would cover nine car parks across the city;

b)    It was a targeted and proportionate response to ongoing issues of antisocial behaviour (ASB) in those car parks which had been repeatedly reported by residents, businesses and visitors;

c)    Behaviours reported included drug use, intimidation, smell of urine and vehicle relations ASB;

d)    These issues not only undermined public confidence, but also contributed to a wider sense of unease in public spaces;

e)    The proposal was part of a wider commitment to improving community safety and aligned with Plymouth’s strategic approach to tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG);

f)     The introduction of the PSPO was a proactive step to making the car parks a safer and more welcoming space for all;

g)    A public consultation had been undertaken, with a high proportion of residents supporting the introduction of the PSPO, and many sharing personal experiences of feeling unsafe, or witnessing concerning behaviour and others welcomed the proposal as a sign that the Council was listening to concerns and taking action;

h)    Key partners were also consulted, including Devon and Cornwall Police, local businesses and community safety stakeholders and the feedback had helped shape and scope the conditions of the PSPO;

i)     The PSPO would give the police additional powers to intervene and prevent ASB at scale;

j)     The PSPO was part of a wider range of measures that were being implemented to improve safety and wellbeing, and to tackle difficult behaviour;

k)    Thanked officers and partners for their hard work in developing the proposal.

Steve Foale (Technical Lead for Safer Communities) and Tracey Naismith (Head of Community Safety) added:

l)     The entry and exit points for the city centre were car parks, so this would improve people’s visits to the area;

m)  88% of respondents agreed that a PSPO should be put in place;

n)    A full equality impact assessment had been undertaken and had considered displacement by working with youth workers, Shekinah and Plymouth Access to Housing (PATH) to understand it and work on solutions.

During a discussion, the following points were made:

o)    It was important that homeless people were supported in a way that ensured their safety as well as the publics;

p)    Residents and local businesses had been in touch with Councillors about the negative impact ASB in car parks was having on them.

Cabinet agreed to:

Approve the proposal and support the making, and implementation, of the PSPO with the suggested prohibitions.

Councillor Penberthy (Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities) introduced the report and highlighted:

a)    The report showed areas of good performance, but also identified areas where there had been challenges;

b)    A new reporting structure would be introduced for reporting on the Corporate Plan in 2025/26.

During discussion the following was discussed:

c)    It was important to celebrate successes;

d)    With regards to potholes, it was reported that there had been 2,230 reactive carriageway repairs and 3,705 defects repaired;

e)    Teams would look at areas around reported potholes to proactively repair other areas around it that might also become potholes imminently;

f)     A velocity machine had been used in several wards across the city repairing potholes;

g)    Some performance data did not relate directly to the corporate plan;

h)    Almost 100% of bins were collected each week;

i)     It was important to provide narrative and context so that there was good governance and transparency, but also so residents could see the Council delivering on what they had asked to be delivered on;

j)     The corporate plan also encompassed some measures that would relate to the work of external partners, which was out of the Council’s control;

k)    Thanks were expressed to all the officers who had contributed to this report.

Cabinet agreed to:

1.    Note the Corporate Plan Monitoring Report Q4 2024/25.

Councillor Evans OBE (Leader of the Council) made the following announcements:

a)    Being part of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was important, especially for Plymouth’s future;

b)    7,000 new jobs were estimated in Devonport, but 25,000 in the wider economy as a result of the investment;

c)    Babcock were looking to have a national capability centre in the city centre which was expected to considerably increase footfall;

d)    A memorandum of understanding had been signed with Homes England for 10,000 new homes in the city centre;

e)    Government had announced a £519 million investment in strategic transport infrastructure;

f)     There was a £40 million investment in the Civic Centre through Homes England which would deliver a new city centre Plymouth City College campus, focusing on blue-green skills, bringing 2,000 students into the city centre;

g)     There had been a 40% reduction in vacant shops in the city centre in the past two years;

h)    £73 million had been invested in the PASDF;

i)     Derriford Hospital had considerable development, and there were health services being developed in the city centre;

j)     Investment in the city centre created an opportunity for cultural development, and for the night-time economy;

k)    Other notable developments over the past decade in Plymouth included The Barcode, The Guildhall, Royal William Yard, and The Box;

l)     It was important to communicate the benefits of having people living in the city centre could bring;

m)   Mackay’s vision in the 2000’s had noted a city disconnected from the sea, and regeneration work since had worked on reconnecting the sea tot the city centre, and the upcoming development would build on this further;

n)    A memorandum of understanding had been signed with Plymouth University, hospitals and science park to bring a new lease of life to the science park;

o)    The latest direct development at Langage PASDF had nearly been completed;

p)    Tinside Pool refurbishment had been completed;

q)    Work had begun at the Mount Batten Centre to provide 21 century facilities for people to learn how to sail and get involved with getting on and in the water;

r)    The Council had supported the fishing industry to secure government funding, and a study had been carried out into the octopus ‘invasion’.

Councillor Jemima Laing (Deputy Leader, and Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Culture and Events) provided the following updates:

a)    The third Mockingbird constellation had been launched, the first in Cornwall, supporting foster carers of Plymouth children living across the border. The constellation model comprised a central hub home and satellite homes, enabling foster families to provide mutual support. The constellations now supported 25 households and over 40 children, including six kinship households;

b)    The fifth birthday of The Box had been celebrated with over 1,700 attendees, marking the highest Saturday attendance since the launch of Super Saturdays. Councillor Laing expressed her appreciation for the staff and volunteers who had created a welcoming and safe space for visitors;

c)    The Forbidden Territories exhibition had concluded, and preparations were underway for the upcoming Remember, Respond, Resist exhibition, part of the UK–Poland Season 2025. The exhibition would feature work from 20 internationally renowned artists, including Grayson Perry and would open in October.

Councillor Chris Penberthy (Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities) provided the following updates:

a)    The Leader and Councillor Penberthy had visited the Clarion Barne Barton regeneration development, where residents had begun moving into newly built homes. Positive feedback had been received from residents, including reports of reduced fuel bills, improved living conditions and enhanced community cohesion. A veteran involved in the self-build programme had gained skills and was pursuing a management apprenticeship, with employment offers from both Clarion and Lovell;

b)    Restoration work had commenced on the Grade II listed Prince Christian Victor Memorial. The monument commemorated Queen Victoria’s grandson and soldiers who had died during the Second Boer War. Bronze panels were being stripped, cleaned and treated following advice from a historic consultant. Plymouth City Council were aware of the diverse views regarding Empire and Colonialism, and worked to ensure Plymouth’s history was acknowledged, remembered and learnt from. More information regarding the monument was available on the Box’s website;

c)    Stabilisation work had begun on the eastern arm of West Hoe Pier. The initial phase included repointing walls and constructing concrete bands, with a second more extensive phase planned for spring 2026 following the winter storm season. Extensive surveys were being undertaken of all waterfront assets and further investment work would follow;

d)    The ‘loss of public open space’ process for Pounds House had concluded and would soon progress to disposal. The evaluation of bids for Merchant’s House was also nearing completion. Councillor Penberthy emphasised the need to balance investment in heritage assets with the financial implications of holding vacant buildings;

e)    £160,000 had been allocated from the Household Support Fund to support grassroots organisations in opening welcoming spaces during the winter, an increase of £60,000 from the previous year. Grants ranging from £2,100 to £5,350 were available, with applications due by 26 September. Councillor Penberthy highlighted the importance of community-led innovation and the impact of such spaces on residents. Community groups had been informed of the funding opportunity via mailing lists, social media, and the Council’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE (Leader of the Council) delivered the Local Government Association (LGA update and discussed:

a)    Councillor Evans welcomed Steve Reed MP’s appointment as Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government, citing his record of delivering 18,000 homes in Lambeth Borough Council. It was proposed to invite Mr Reed to Plymouth to discuss housing and regeneration opportunities;

b)    Thanks were given to Angela Rayner and Jim McMahon for their support to Plymouth throughout numerous local government projects. A letter of thanks would be sent;

c)    New appointments were noted, including Alison McGovern, Josh MacAlister and Georgia Gould. Councillor Evans expressed optimism about their potential to support Plymouth’s ambitions;

d)    Councillor Evans proposed inviting Angela Eagle, the new Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, to Plymouth and writing to Daniel Zeichner, the outgoing fishing minister, to thank him for his support on Plymouth’s fisheries and marine projects.