Cabinet Members will be asked to make any declarations of interest in respect of items on this agenda.  A flowchart providing guidance on interests is attached to assist councillors.

There were no declarations of interest.

To sign and confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 13 March 2018.

The minutes of the meeting on the 13 March 2018 were agreed. 

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 were no public questions.

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

The Leader highlighted that -

a)    The Britain’s Ocean City Plan for Plastics would be launched on Friday. 

b)    A fully costed internal Plan for Plastics was being developed that would complement the City-wide approach and drive change within the Council by September 2018. 

c)    Councillor Dann (Cabinet member for the Environment) commented that -

d)    Since the opening of Teats Hill on Friday the City had been busy raising the profile of the need to reduce single use plastics and taking direct action to ensure plastics do not get into our natural environment.

e)    With partners across the City a series of events were taking place so that everyone can do their bit to help tackle this issue. 

f)     In addition to direct action and events we are asking everyone to make a pledge on how they will support this initiative going forward.  The twitter feed #PlasticsPledgePlym was showing how people were really getting engaged and were supportive of helping the City tackle single use plastics.

g)    Councillor Dann would overseeing the Plymouth Plan for Plastics as well as the Council’s internal Plan to ensure this is the start of a significant and positive change for the natural environment.

Information

·         Twitter link - #PlasticsPledgePlym

·         Website - https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/environmentandpollution/plastics

Councillor Evans OBE (Leader) introduced a report on the development of the Corporate Plan 2018 – 2022.   Councillor Evans invited members to comment on the report.  Members noted that –

The extensive manifesto would lead the development of the new plan. Members highlighted that children and young people, educational attainment, poverty, housing and car parking would be key areas of focus for the new administation in the future.

Cabinet agreed to note the report.

Councillor Mark Lowry (Cabinet Member for Finance) introduced the Corporate Finance Monitoring Report, quarter 4 and outturn.   Councillor Lowry highlighted that it was challenging times for all local authorities in the face of reducing central government grants.  Councillor Lowry further highlighted that  –

·         there had been an overspend on the 2017/18 budget;

·         there had been non-delivery of savings targets;

·         there would be a root and branch review of the current budget position.

Cabinet agreed to –

1.     Note the provisional outturn position as at 31 March 2018

2.     Note the use of capital receipts - £1.085m - to write down Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP).

3.     Note the use of £1.326m section 106 agreements to ensure a balanced budget position is achieved in 2017/18.

4.     Note the Capital Report including the Capital Financing Requirement of £98.963m.

5.    Undertake a review of the section 106 obligations and review the use of capital receipts to balance the budget for 2017/18, how they may be used in the 2018/19 financial year and what other options may be available

6.    Undertake full review of the council’s finances to understand where financial pressures currently are.  

Councillor Lowry (Cabinet members for Finance) introduced the report and highlighted-

The report would likely change significantly and would in the future reflect the administration’s new approach and the pledges set out in the Labour Party manifesto;

That in future the approach to performance would be customer satisfaction

In respect of the quarter four performance there were some good areas but also areas for improvement such as –

·         Homelessness

·         Children’s Safeguarding

·         Digital Services

Cabinet noted the level of improvement in Electoral Services. 

Cabinet agreed to note the report.

Cabinet agreed the appointments as set out in the agenda papers.