To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 21 November 2022 as a correct record.

Council agreed the minutes of the City Council meeting held on 21 November 2022 as a true and correct record.

The following declarations of interest were made by councillors in accordance with the code of conduct in respect of items under consideration at the meeting -

The Assistant Chief Executive will submit a schedule of vacancies on committees, outside bodies etc and of changes notified to us.  

Members were advised of the following changes –

a)    Councillor Sally Haydon should have shown as Vice Chair of the Taxi Licensing Committee, not Councillor Eddie Rennie;

b)    Councillor Dylan Tippetts should have shown as Vice Chair of the Licensing Committee, not Councillor Eddie Rennie.

Councillor Nicholson moved an amendment to the recommendations as follows, this was seconded by Councillor Nick Kelly –

1.    The Council approved the proportionality following changes to the political composition of the Council;

2.    Chairs and Vice-Chairs would be appointed in line with political proportionality.

The Lord Mayor advised that if this amendment was passed, it would be referred to the Audit and Governance Committee for further consideration.

Following a discussion with a contributions from Councillors Evans OBE and Hulme, the amendment was not passed.

For (6)

Councillors Mrs Beer, Hulme, Kelly, Nicholson, Singh and Mrs Bridgeman.

Against (37)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Dr Cree, Coker, Cresswell, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Noble, Penberthy, Reilly, Rennie, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuohy, Bingley, Carlyle, Drean, Harrison, Finn, Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, Patel, Partridge, Riley, Salmon, Shayer, Smith, Stoneman, Tofan, Ms Watkin and Wakeham.

Abstain (2)

Councillors Churchill and McLay.

Absent/Did Not Vote (4)

Councillors Dann, Murphy, Poyser and Wheeler.

The Council agreed to approve the proportionality following changes to the political composition of the Council.

For (40)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Dr Cree, Coker, Cresswell, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Noble, Penberthy, Reilly, Rennie, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuohy, Bingley, Carlyle, Drean, Harrison, Finn, Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, Patel, Partridge, Riley, Salmon, Shayer, Smith, Stoneman, Tofan, Ms Watkin, Wakeham, McLay, Poyser and Wheeler.

Abstain (2)

Councillors Churchill and Mrs Bridgeman.

Against (4)

Councillors Hulme, Kelly, Nicholson and Singh.

Absent/Did Not Vote (3)

Councillors Dann, Murphy and Mrs Beer.

To receive questions from and provide answers to the public in relation to matters which are about something the council is responsible for or something that directly affects people in the city, in accordance with Part B, paragraph 11 of the Constitution.

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

There were eight questions from members of the public,  the questions and answers are appended to the minutes.

(a)        To receive announcements from the Lord Mayor, Chief Executive, Service Director for Finance or Head of Legal Services;

(b)        To receive announcements from the Leader, Cabinet Members or Committee Chairs.

The Lord Mayor provided an update that included–

a)    Expressed condolences on behalf of the Council for all those involved with the Keyham Inquest that was being heard in Exeter and streamed to the Council House in Plymouth;

b)    With great sadness, The Lord Mayor informed The Council of the passing of Alderman Ken Foster and The Council stood for a minutes silence in his memory;

c)    Furthermore, the Lord Mayor was sad to share the new that Commander Charles Crichton OBE RN had passed away and led a moment of reflection on the contribution he had made to the City of Plymouth.

The Leader gave his announcements which included the following –

a)    His condolences were with the families and community affected by the Keyham tragedy and he gave thanks to the staff supporting those affected;

b)    Welcomed Councillor Lauren McLay and Councillor Will Noble to the Council;

c)    Gave thanks to all those who sat on the Budget Scrutiny Committee including Councillor Finn, who stepped in as Chair when Councillor Penberthy was unwell;

d)    Gave thanks to the staff involved in preparing the budget papers, led by Tracey Lee (Chief Executive) as well as Councillors and members for their ideas and suggestions for budget saving;

e)    The Leader and Tracey Lee (Chief Executive) had met with Lord Markham CBE (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for the Lords) Department of Health and Social Care) to push for further resources from the NHS to fund the Colin Campbell Centre and were awaiting a formal response but the initial feedback had been positive;

f)     There had been a meeting on 10 January 2023 of South-West regional leaders where The Leader has emphasised Plymouth’s need for better transport connectivity, including an airport, and better skills provision;

g)    On 2 January 2023 The Leader and The Lord Mayor, along with other Councillor’s, had attended an event on board Port Aven, the flagship of Brittany Ferries, with dignitaries from France, celebrating 50 years of the company serving Plymouth.

Councillor Rebecca Smith (Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Homes and Communities) provided an update and highlighted –

h)    Sir Gary Streeter MP had given a speech on the work of the VAWG Commission in Westminster Hall which was supported by Luke Pollard MP and Johnny Mercer MP, highlighting the work that had been done;

i)     Apologised that the report on mould in homes had not yet been circulated, but would be within 24 hours.

Councillor Pat Patel (Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure & Sport) provided an update and highlighted –

j)     The Box had been compiling evidence for the Green Tourism Accreditation submission and the assessment was completed on 27 Jauary 2023 and the outcome was to award The Box with Gold, the highest ethical accolade, awarded by an internationally recognised scheme and thanked the staff at The Box for their hard work to achieve this.

Mr Mark Thomas introduced the petition which said -

“Plymouth City Council is regenerating Armada Way and in doing so will be chopping down virtually all the beautiful and well-established trees which make the city such a nice place to be.
If you would rather they change their plans to incorporate a bit more of what we already have rather than bulldozing it flat then get behind our campaign to save the trees! They are more important than a glimpse of a view of the war memorial on the Hoe.
The council say they want more trees, so why not just plant more trees?”

The meeting was adjourned at 3.25pm for 15 minutes to allow everyone to read the copy of the response.

Councillor Jonathan Drean (Cabinet Member for Transport) provided a response to the petition. This was seconded by Councillor Mark Shayer (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Economy).

Councillor Murphy joined the meeting at 4.21pm.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve proposed an amendment which was seconded by Councillor Mark Coker. Following a discussion with contributions from Councillors Nicholson, Goslin, Reilly, Drean, Singh, Hulme, Mrs Bridgeman, Kelly, Penberthy, Holloway, Poyser and Wheeler the Council agreed to accept the amendment -

For (48)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Dr Cree, Coker, Cresswell, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Murphy, Noble, Penberthy, Reilly, Rennie, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuohy, Bingley, Carlyle, Churchill, Drean, Harrison, Finn, Mrs Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, Patel, Partridge, Riley, Salmon, Shayer, Smith, Stoneman, Tofan, Ms Watkin, Wakeham, McLay, Poyser, Wheeler, Mrs Beer, Mrs Bridgeman, Hulme, Kelly, Nicholson and Singh.

Against (0)

Abstain (1)

Councillor Dann.

Absent/Did Not Vote (0)

Councillor Wheeler proposed an amendment that was seconded by Councillor Ian Poyser. Following a discussion with contributions from Councillor Coker, Churchill and Drean the Council agreed to accept the amendment –

For (48)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Dr Cree, Coker, Cresswell, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Murphy, Noble, Penberthy, Reilly, Rennie, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuohy, Bingley, Carlyle, Churchill, Drean, Harrison, Finn, Mrs Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, Patel, Partridge, Riley, Salmon, Shayer, Smith, Stoneman, Tofan, Ms Watkin, Wakeham, McLay, Poyser, Wheeler, Mrs Beer, Mrs Bridgeman, Hulme, Kelly, Nicholson and Singh.

Against (0)

Abstain (1)

Councillor Dann.

Absent/Did Not Vote (0)

Following a further discussion with contributions from Councillors Singh, Smith, Hulme, Nicholson, Kelly, Briars-Delve, Mrs Bridgeman and Penberthy the Council agreed the amended substantive motion –

Plymouth City Council firmly believes that the residents and businesses of Plymouth deserve a thriving and prosperous city centre to deliver high quality jobs and places to live.

We recognise that the strategic policies set out in the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan adopted in March 2019 commits us to delivering a vibrant mixed-use regional shopping centre and attractive visitor destination. We remain committed to delivering Policy PLY6 of the adopted Joint Local Plan (‘Improving Plymouth’s City Centre’) which, amongst other things, specifically supports respecting and celebrating the centre’s mid-twentieth built heritage, a coordinated programme of investment in public  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

The Council Tax Base and Council Tax Support Scheme 2023/24 was introduced by Councillor Mark Shayer (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Economy). This was seconded by The Leader.

Following a discussion with a contribution from Councillor Kelly, the Council agreed to –

1)    The Council Tax Base for 2023/24 of 74,891equivalent Band D dwellings as set out in the report for the item;

2)    The continuation of the current Council Tax Support scheme and Exceptional Hardship Scheme for 2023/24 with no update.

For (41)

Councillors Bingley, Carlyle, Churchill, Drean, Harrison, Finn, Mrs Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, Patel, Partridge, Salmon, Shayer, Smith, Stoneman, Tofan, Ms Watkin, Wakeham, Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Cresswell, Dann, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Murphy, Noble, Penberthy, Reilly, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuohy, McLay, Wheeler, Mrs Bridgeman, Hulme, Kelly and Singh.

Against (0)

Abstain (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (8)

Councillors Briars-Delve, Dr Cree, Coker, Rennie, Poyser, Mrs Beer, Nicholson and Riley.

Councillor Jonathan Drean (Cabinet Member for Transport) introduced the report on Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry 2023-2024 Revenue and Capital Estimates. This was seconded by Councillor Pat Patel (Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure & Sport).

Following a discussion with a contribution from Councillor Kelly, the Council agreed to –

1)    Approve the 2023/24 revenue estimates and capital programme and the draft 2023-24 Business plan, as set out in the appendices to the JC Report;

2)    Note the longer-term forecast to 2026/27.

For (35)

Councillors Bingley, Carlyle, Churchill, Drean, Harrison, Finn, Mrs Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, Patel, Partridge, Salmon, Shayer, Smith, Stoneman, Tofan, Ms Watkin, Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Cresswell, Dann, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Murphy, Noble, Reilly, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuohy, McLay and Wheeler.

Against (5)

Councillors Mrs Beer, Hulme, Kelly, Singh and Mrs Bridgeman.

Abstain (1)

Councillor Nicholson.

Absent/Did Not Vote (8)

Councillors Briars-Delve, Dr Cree, Coker, Penberthy, Rennie, Poyser, Riley and Wakeham.

Councillor Pat Patel (Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure & Sport) introduced the Licensing Cumulative Impact Policy which was seconded by The Leader.

The Council agreed to –

1)    Adopt and publish the Cumulative Impact Assessment as contained in Appendix C of the report, with effect from 31 January 2023.

For (40)

Councillors Bingley, Carlyle, Churchill, Harrison, Finn, Mrs Loveridge, Dr Mahony, Patel, Partridge, Salmon, Shayer, Smith, Stoneman, Tofan, Ms Watkin, Wakeham, Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Dann, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Murphy, Noble, Penberthy, Reilly, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuohy, McLay, Wheeler, Mrs Bridgeman, Mrs Beer, Hulme, Kelly, Nicholson and Singh.

Abstain (0)

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (9)
Councillors Briars-Delve, Dr Cree, Coker, Reilly, Rennie, Drean, Lugger, Riley and Poyser.

Councillor Mark Shayer (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Economy) introduced the Annual Pay Policy Statement 2023/24, which was seconded by Councillor Pat Patel (Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure & Sport). The Council agreed to –

1)    Approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2023/24.

For (41)

Councillors Bingley, Carlyle, Churchill, Harrison, Finn, Mrs Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, Patel, Partridge, Salmon, Shayer, Smith, Tofan, Ms Watkin, Wakeham, Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Cresswell, Dann, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Murphy, Noble, Penberthy, Reilly, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuohy, McLay, Wheeler, Mrs Bridgeman, Mrs Beer, Hulme, Kelly, Nicholson and Singh.

Abstain (0)

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (8)

Councillors Briars-Delve, Dr Cree, Coker, Rennie, Drean, Riley, Stoneman and Poyser.

Councillor James Stoneman (Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Governance) introduced the report.

Councillor Mrs Mary Aspinall noted that the date for Inter Faith Week 2023 had not yet been announced and that the November 2023 meeting of SACRE would need to be flexible in case the date suggested (13 November 2023) fell in that week.

Councillor Dylan Tippetts asked that the dates for Corporate Parenting Group and Child Poverty Action Group be added to the calendar.

The Council agreed to note the document.

Moved by Councillor Mrs Beer and seconded by Councillor Hulme.

Councillors Briars-Delve, Coker, Rennie and Poyser re-joined the meeting during this item.

Councillor Mrs Terri Beer introduced the motion on notice on defibrillators. This was seconded by Councillor Stephen Hulme.

Councillor Pat Patel (Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure & Sport) proposed a motion without notice that the item be deferred to the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which was seconded by The Leader.

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillors Nicholson, Mrs Aspinall, Singh, Stoneman, Finn, Kelly and Evans OBE the Council agreed to –

1)    Defer the item to the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

For (45)

Councillors Bingley, Carlyle, Churchill, Drean, Harrison, Finn, Mrs Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, Patel, Partridge, Salmon, Shayer, Smith, Stoneman, Tofan, Ms Watkin, Wakeham, Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Murphy, Noble, Penberthy, Reilly, Rennie, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuohy, McLay, Poyser, Wheeler, Mrs Bridgeman, Mrs Beer, Hulme, and Nicholson.

Against (0)

Abstain (2)

Councillors Kelly and Singh.

Did Not Vote (2)

Councillors Dr Cree and Riley.

Moved by Councillor Hulme and seconded by Councillor Nicholson.

Councillor Stephen Hulme introduced the motion on notice on the loss of trees in Armada Way, and the amendment to the motion following the discussion on the subject earlier in the meeting under item 37 – Petition – Armada Way Trees. This was seconded by Councillor Patrick Nicholson.

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillor Stoneman, Briars-Delve, Kelly, Poyser and Singh the Council did not agree the motion on notice to

1)    Request the cabinet review the scheme with a view to saving significantly more trees that currently proposed, with ongoing public opposition to the loss of trees in Armada Way.

For (6)

Councillors Mrs Beer, Hulme, Kelly, Nicholson, Singh and Mrs Bridgeman.

Abstain (25)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Murphy, Noble, Penberthy, Reilly, Rennie, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuohy, Harrison, Mrs Loveridge, McLay, Poyser and Wheeler.

Against (15)

Councillors Bingley, Carlyle, Churchill, Drean, Finn, Lugger, Dr Mahony, Patel, Salmon, Shayer, Smith, Stoneman, Tofan, Ms Watkin, Wakeham,

Absent/Did Not Vote (3)

Councillors Dr Cree, Partridge and Riley.

Moved by Councillor Kelly and seconded by Councillor Singh.

Councillor Mrs Maddi Bridgeman left the meeting at 7.15pm.

The Council agreed to deviate from standing orders and to extend the meeting until business was complete.

Councillor Nick Kelly introduced the Motion on Notice on Sir Francis Drake. This was seconded by Councillor Chaz Singh.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor George Wheeler and seconded by Councillor Lauren McLay.

The meeting was adjourned for 5 minutes for Councillors to consider the amendment.

Following a discussion with a contribution from Councillor Kelly the Council did not agree the amendment to –

1)    Insert a new third paragraph that read: “Drake’s expeditions were based on a triangular system of trade, the first leg taking British goods and produce to sell in Africa, the second leg taking the “goods” brought with the sale of the British produce from West Africa to the Caribbean and the third utilising the proceeds of the Caribbean sales to buy gold or goods in the Caribbean for transport back to Britain. The profitability of the voyages were augmented by the occasional act of piracy. The dark aspect of this trading system is that the “goods” taken from Africa to the Caribbean were people – black slaves. Many of these did not reach the Caribbean alive.”

2)    Delete 2proud” in line 3 of (renumbered) fourth paragraph;

3)    Add after heritage in line 3 of (renumbered) fourth paragraph: “, that of which we can be proud but also that of which we should feel deep shame.”;

4)    Delete resolutions 1 and 2 and replaced with: “The Council resolved that all celebration and promotion of our historical figures, including Drake, should tell the whole story of their exploits, good and bad.”

For (3)

Councillors McLay, Poyser and Wheeler.

Abstain (20)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Murphy, Noble, Penberthy, Reilly, Rennie, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuohy,

Against (20)

Councillors Carlyle, Churchill, Drean, Finn, Harrison, Mrs Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, Patel, Salmon, Shayer, Smith, Stoneman, Tofan, Ms Watkin, Wakeham, Mrs Beer, Kelly, Nicholson and Singh.

Absent/Did Not Vote (6)

Councillor Dr Cree, Hulme, Bingley, Partridge, Riley and Mrs Bridgeman.

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillor Cresswell, Holloway and Patel the Council did not agree the motion on notice to –

1)    Call upon the Cabinet member for Culture & Tourism specifically, and all members of the Council, to use adequate resources (including legal, financial, time and publicity/media) to actively protect the important and famous existing use of the name Drake by the Local Authority in line with the law and functions of the Local Authority.

2)    This included anything associated with him, e.g. statue of Drake on the Hoe, Drake Ward, etc throughout the city, in order to seek to safeguard Sir Francis Drake’s prominent historic achievements and proud links with the City of Plymouth.

For (4)

Councillors Mrs Beer, Kelly, Nicholson and Singh.

Abstain (22)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Murphy, Noble, Penberthy,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

Moved by Councillor Nicholson and seconded by Councillor Mrs Beer.

Councillor Allen left the meeting at 8.02pm.

Councillor Patrick Nicholson proposed the motion on notice on the NHS, this was seconded by Mrs Terri Beer.

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillor Dr Mahony, Stoneman, Finn and Evans OBE the Council agreed to –

1)    Reinforce ongoing support for the delivery of vital NHS health care to the people of Plymouth;

2)    Express disappointment at the Government’s lacklustre approach to resolving the current disputes with Nurses and Ambulance staff;

3)    Acknowledge the ongoing significant challenges locally to continuing to recruit and retain nurses in Plymouth;

4)    Call on the Conservative Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care to set-out their position on the current industrial action within the NHS and what they were doing to influence Plymouth’s Members of Parliament and the Government to resolve the current disputes.

For (25)

Councillors Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Coker, Cresswell, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Murphy, Noble, Penberthy, Reilly, Rennie, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuohy, McLay, Poyser, Wheeler, Mrs Beer, Kelly, Nicholson and Singh.

Abstain (17)

Councillors Dann, Bingley, Carlyle, Churchill, Drean, Finn, Harrison, Mrs Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, Salmon, Shayer, Smith, Stoneman, Tofan, Ms Watkin, Wakeham,

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (7)

Councillors Allen, Dr Cree, Partridge, Patel, Riley, Hulme, and Mrs Bridgeman.

Due to an error, Councillor Loveridge initially cast her vote on the wrong keypad, therefore whilst Councillor Mrs Pengelly showed on the webcast as having voted “Abstain” for this item, she was not present for the meeting and did not vote.

Moved by Councillor Coker and seconded by Councillor Wheeler.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

Moved by Councillor Reilly and seconded by Councillor Rennie.

Councillor Zoe Reilly introduced the motion titled Get me Home Safely, which was seconded by Councillor Eddie Rennie.

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillors Drean, Smith, Carlyle, Singh, Bingley and Coker the Council agreed to –

1)    Publicly call for improvement to late night and off-peak transport service provision through the Local Transport Authority as well as other appropriate transport services in Plymouth and its surrounding areas;

2)    Instruct the appropriate Scrutiny Panel to look at the concerns raised and to make recommendations for how we make our city safer;

3)    Lobby the Government and the Police Crime and Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall for stronger enforcement of the law against sexual assault and harassment on public transport.

For (43)

Councillors Bingley, Carlyle, Churchill, Drean, Finn, Harrison, Mrs Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, Patel, Salmon, Shayer, Smith, Stoneman, Tofan, Ms Watkin, Wakeham, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Murphy, Noble, Penberthy, Reilly, Rennie, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuohy, McLay, Poyser, Wheeler, Mrs Beer, Kelly, Nicholson and Singh.

Abstain (0)

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (6)

Councillors Allen, Dr Cree, Partridge, Riley, Hulme, and Mrs Bridgeman.

Moved by Councillor Laing and seconded by Councillor Tippetts.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda and would be submitted to the City Council meeting in March 2023.

The Council agreed to note the report.

Questions to the Leader, Cabinet Members and Committee Chairs covering aspects for their areas of responsibility or concern by councillors in accordance with Part B, paragraph 12 of the constitution.

Councillor McDonald left the meeting at 9.14pm.