Agenda and minutes

Monitoring Officer Linda Torney had issued a dispensation on the first notice relating to the National Health Service due to part of the notice relating to ‘Infection Control Grants’ which the Council had made use of for some of its internal services. The dispensation allowed Councillors to discuss this.

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 -

Name	Minute Number	Reason	Interest
Councillor Patrick Nicholson	9a	Relative works for the NHS
Councillor Terri Beer	9a		Private
Councillor Jon Taylor	9a	Employee of the NHS	Pecuniary
Councillor John Riley	9a	Spouse employed by the NHS
Councillor Maddi Bridgeman	9a		Private
Councillor Glenn Jordan	9a	Father and Aunt use carers. Daughter is employed by Councillor Jordan as their carer.	Private

83.

Appointments to Committees, Outside Bodies etc

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

Additional documents:

Webcast for 83.

Minutes:

There were no notified changes to appointments.

84.

Announcements

View the background to item 84.

(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.

Additional documents:

Webcast for 84.

Minutes:

Lord Mayor wished Councillors good luck in the forthcoming elections and thanked those Councillors retiring from service. Videos would be made available online prior to the City Council AGM in May to recognise those that would be retiring.

The Civic office had been awarded national awards for Civic Office National 2020 and had been commended with how the Civic Office responded to work during the national crises of 2020 and how the Civic Office had moved forward after the crisis in 2020.

Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health provided an update in relation to COVID-19.

·	Rates had continued to drop and were 26.3% and for reference at the last Council meeting on 22February Plymouth had 48%. The south west average had continued to drop and was at 32%. Nationally the rate had been 58%.
·	Vaccinations progress had been going well and the National Health Service had extended vaccinations ages to 56 and 59 ranges, uptake had been 95%.
·	On the 11 March 90,000 residents had one dose of their vaccination in Plymouth and the National Health Service had been working with Plymouth City Council to increase the uptake as vaccinations reached the working population. There had been a Zoom meeting scheduled to take place on 13 April to address any questions.
·	The Office for Plymouth’s Public Health had been working with community champions to spread the word on vaccinations and had also looked at accessibility to recognise barriers people may face in receiving their vaccinations.
·	Expansions had been made in people receiving rapid tests even though they did not have symptoms in order to pick up people who had been asymptomatic and going into workplaces.
·	The government had provided a pathway out of lockdown, however it was noted that timings were not certain and the unlocking of lockdown depended on data and whether there continued to be success of the vaccination rollout in order to reduce the need of people requiring hospitalisations. New variants would be monitored which might change the risk.
·	The asymptomatic testing had been a success in allowing children to return to school safely.
·	There had been some concern across EU countries with people having blood clots, investigations had been underway to see if they were connected with having the vaccination. The had been millions of vaccinations, but there had been no evidence to suggest that having a vaccination and having a blood clot were correlated.
·	Vaccinations to vulnerable groups such as the homeless had been successful and there had been monitoring of other vulnerable groups. It was noted that nationally BAME communities had been less likely to receive vaccinations; it was also noted that there had been statistically lower vaccination rates in deprived communities. Plans would be discussed with Devon CCG to bring the vaccine to people in order to increase the uptake.
·	It was noted that a number of people would have side effects from any vaccination; 18 – 20% would have a sore arm, have a headache, feel tired, have mild chills and ... view the full minutes text for item 84.

85.

Questions by the Public

View the background to item 85.

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.

Additional documents:

Webcast for 85.

Minutes:

There was two questions submitted by the public.

This question was submitted by Mr Mark Peters and was responded by Councillor Mark Lowry.
Sir John Hawkins Square appeal continues to the High Court. The road sign has been missing since June 2020. The missing sign contravenes the Public Health Act 1925 Sec 8(3) Will the Council be reinstating the road sign, as the matter awaits determination in the High Court?	It would be inappropriate for the council to respond to this question in light of the further appeal in connection with the court proceedings relating to Sir John Hawkins Square. The council will respond following the conclusion of the court proceedings.

This question was asked by Nicholas Demeranville and answered by Councillor Sue Dann
When determining planning application 19/02038/FUL, Installation of sustainable drainage system, wildflower meadow and associated public realm improvements, Central Park, Council Officers commented that the “masterplan approach was not the most appropriate”. What is the Council’s vision for the park’s future development and how will it be realised?	Councillor Sue Dann provided the following response which would be provided in writing: A masterplan for Central Park was created after extensive consultation in 2013. Over the past 3 years, the Council has carried out a huge amount of investment in the park to meet the aspirations in that plan to deliver a premier destination for the people of Plymouth. We have completed £4.4m worth of improvements - including a new play area, extended skate park, new sports plateau, new café, refurbished and extended Sports Hub, new events field, 4 new tennis courts, and park-wide upgrades to paths, signage, seating, and heritage and nature-based interventions such as tree planting and repairing dry stone walls. We have also supported over 300 hours of free nature based activities and volunteering for adults, families and school children; sent out regular park newsletters to keep people informed; engaged with sports clubs and businesses in the park and facilitated free public events. We remain committed to the park - we know it has been a critical place for our residents’ health and wellbeing over the past year and we want it to remain that way. The recently approved plans to improve the drainage in the Barn Park area are in line with the 2013 masterplan to create a larger body of water there, but what they also do is create new spaces for people and wildlife to enjoy. We are going to be opening our new Community Sports Hub this Spring, with a range of activities and events planned over the summer to help people get out and active into nature safely. As we come out of COVID, with our Green Minds and Future Parks projects we are going to be working on site with communities, schools and students to develop a tree-planting scheme, which helps the park be climate resilient, alongside trialling new digital tools to help people learn about nature and contribute to national citizen science efforts. This is a park for ... view the full minutes text for item 85.

86.

Lord Mayoralty 2021/22 PDF 152 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

At the Lord Mayor’s Selection Committee on 26 February 2021 Councillor Terri Beer had been nominated for Lord Mayor.

Votes for: Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Ball, Mrs Beer, Mrs Bridgeman, Buchan, Corvid, Carson, Coker, Cook, Dann, Darcy, Derrick, Sam Davey, Downie, Drean, Evans OBE, Haydon, Goslin, Hendy, James, Jordan, Johnson, Kelly, Laing, Mike Leaves, Loveridge, Lowry, McDonald, Morris, Murphy, Neil, Nicholson, Parker-Delaz-Ajete, Penberthy, Pengelly, Rennie, Riley, Singh, Pete Smith, Rebecca Smith, Stevens, Jon Taylor, Kate Taylor, Tuffin, Tuohy, Vincent, Ms Watkin, Wheeler, Wigens, Winter, Mavin.

Did not vote/Absent: Councillors Ian Bowyer, Mrs Bowyer, Churchill, Deacon, Sam Leaves

87.

Organisational Design - Senior Management Arrangements PDF 159 KB

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Minutes:

Tracey Lee, Chief Executive proposed two changes to the Senior Management structure in Customer Services; to replace the post of Service Director for Customer Services and the Service Centre with a Service Director for Digital and Customer experience.

Customer experience remained a top priority for the Council following a peer review in 2018. That focus would remain under the proposed changes in order to drive forward a digital city.

The proposals would see the Service Centre move to the Service Director for Finance to align the Revenue and Benefits areas closely with the financial services.

Chief Officer Appointments had been consulted and consultations with staff had taken place, further consultations would take place again. The proposed changes did not increase the establishment.

Did not vote/Absent: Councillors Ian Bowyer, Mrs Bowyer, Churchill, Deacon, Sam Leaves and Mavin.

Votes for: 51

Votes against: 0

Abstentions: 0

No vote/Absent: 6

The motion had been carried.

88.

Motions on notice

View the background to item 88.

To consider motions from councillors in accordance with Part B, paragraph 14 of the Constitution.

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89.

Budget for NHS and Carers PDF 103 KB

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Minutes:

Councillor Kate Taylor introduced the motion on the Budget for NHS and Carers. This was seconded by Councillor Darren Winter.

Following a debate the motion was carried.

Votes for (31):

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Buchan, Corvid, Coker, Dann, Derrick, Sam Davey, Evans OBE, Haydon, Goslin, Hendy, Laing, Lowry, McDonald, Morris, Murphy, Neil, Parker-Delaz-Ajete, Penberthy, Rennie, Singh, Pete Smith, Stevens, Kate Taylor, Tuffin, Tuohy, Vincent, Wheeler, Winter & Mavin

Votes Against (0):

Abstentions (18): Councillors Ball, Beer, Bridgeman, Carson, Cook, Darcy, Downie, Drean, James, Jordan, Johnson, Kelly, Mike Leaves, Loveridge, Mrs Pengelly, Rebecca Smith, Ms Watkin & Wigens

No vote/Absent (8):

Councillors Ian Bowyer, Mrs Bowyer, Churchill, Deacon, Sam Leaves, Patrick Nicholson, Riley & Jon Taylor

Votes for: 31

Votes Against: 0

Abstentions: 18

No Vote/Absent: 8

90.

Weston Mill Recycling Centre PDF 96 KB

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Minutes:

Councillor Maddi Bridgeman proposed the motion on Weston Mill Recycling Centre. This was seconded by Councillor Riley.

An amendment to the motion was moved by Councillor Dann and seconded by Councillor Coker.

The amendment proposed was as follows:

We resolve to ask the Cabinet Member for the Environment and Street Scene, Councillor Sue Dann, to mobilise resources and plan to enable Weston Mill Recycling Centre to fully reopen from the 12^th April when it is safe to do so – in line with the with the Government Roadmap and be driven by data not dates and be considered in conjunction with the overall provision of all waste collection and waste disposal services

This facility is valued by those residents living in the North and West of our city and provides an alternative Household Waste Recycling Centre for those who need to make essential journeys to dispose of waste.

We recognise the impact queuing may have on the network and have a series of contingency plans to prevent the level of traffic experienced following the reopening of Chelson Meadow last May, this is a demand led service and very weather dependant

~~We have seen the impact on Chelson Meadow Recycling Centre this past week, with long traffic queues. Such queues cause a detrimental effect to the road network, inconvenience to those living in~~ this part of the city and is not aligned with our Climate Emergency as more and longer vehicular movements are being made necessary. The continued suspension of the Bulky Waste service, the advent of Spring and the removal of certain Covid restrictions will only increase the demand for the provision of PCC’s waste facilities. This reduced service is also with the back drop of increased Council tax.

After a debate the amendment was approved:

Votes for (30):

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Buchan, Corvid, Coker, Dann, Derrick, Davey, Evans OBE, Haydon, Goslin, Hendy, Laing, Lowry, McDonald, Morris, Murphy, Neil, Parker-Delaz-Ajete, Penberthy, Rennie, Pete Smith, Stevens, Jon Taylor, Kate Taylor, Tuffin, Tuohy, Vincent, Wheeler and Winter

Votes Against (22):

Councillors Ball, Mrs Beer, Mrs Bridgeman, Carson, Cook, Darcy, Downie, Drean, James, Jordan, Johnson, Kelly, Mike Leaves, Sam Leaves, Loveridge, Patrick Nicholson, Mrs Pengelly, Riley, Singh, Rebecca Smith, Ms Watkin and Wigens

Did not Vote/Absent (5):

Councillors Ian Bowyer, Mrs Bowyer, Churchill, Deacon and Mavin (Lord Mayor).

Votes for: 30

Votes Against: 22

Abstentions: 0

No Vote/Absent: 5

Councillor Rennie proposed to move to the vote. This was seconded by Councillor Pete Smith.

Votes for (30):

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Buchan, Corvid, Coker, Dann, Derrick, Sam Davey, Evans OBE, Haydon, Goslin, Hendy, Laing, Sam Leaves, Lowry, McDonald, Morris, Murphy, Neil, Parker-Delaz-Ajete, Penberthy, Rennie, Pete Smith, Stevens, Jon Taylor, Kate Taylor, Tuffin, Tuohy, Vincent, Wheeler and Winter.

Votes Against (22):

Councillor Ball, Mrs Beer, Mrs Bridgeman, Carson, Cook, Darcy, Downie, Drean, Jordan, James, Johnson, Kelly, Mike Leaves, Loveridge, Nicholson, Mrs Pengelly, Riley, Singh, Rebecca Smith, Ms Watkin and Wigens,

Did not vote/Absent (5):

Councillors Ian Bowyer, Mrs Bowyer, Churchill, Deacon and ... view the full minutes text for item 90.

91.

Take Away Litter PDF 95 KB

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Webcast for 91.

Minutes:

Councillor Mrs Bridgeman introduced the motion on Take Away Litter. This was seconded by Councillor Mrs Beer.

Following a debate Councillor Rennie proposed to move to the vote. This was seconded by Councillor Pete Smith.

Votes on moving to the vote:

Votes for (51)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Ball, Mrs Beer, Mrs Bridgeman, Buchan, Corvid, Carson, Coker, Cook, Dann, Darcy, Derrick, Sam Davey, Downie, Drean, Evans OBE, Haydon, Goslin, Hendy, James, Jordan, Johnson, Kelly, Laing, Sam Leaves, Loveridge, Lowry, McDonald, Morris, Murphy, Neil, Nicholson, Parker-Delaz-Ajete, Penberthy, Mrs Pengelly, Rennie, Riley, Singh, Pete Smith, Rebecca Smith, Stevens, Jon Taylor, Kate Taylor, Tuffin, Tuohy, Vincent, Ms Watkin, Wheeler, Wigens and Winter.

Votes Against (1)

Councillor Mike Leaves

Did not vote/Absent (5):

Councillors Ian Bowyer, Mrs Bowyer, Churchill, Deacon and Mavin (Lord Mayor).

Vote on the motion:

Votes for (52):

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Ball, Mrs Beer, Mrs Bridgeman, Buchan, Corvid, Carson, Coker, Cook, Dann, Darcy, Derrick, Sam Davey, Downie, Drean, Evans OBE, Haydon, Goslin, Hendy, James, Jordan, Johnson, Kelly, Laing, Mike Leaves, Sam Leaves, Loveridge, Lowry, McDonald, Morris, Murphy, Neil, Nicholson, Parker-Delaz-Ajete, Penberthy, Pengelly, Rennie, Riley, Singh, Pete Smith, Rebecca Smith, Stevens, Jon Taylor, Kate Taylor, Tuffin, Tuohy, Vincent, Ms Watkin, Wheeler, Wigens and Winter.

Votes Against (0):

Did not vote/Absent (5):

Councillors Ian Bowyer, Mrs Bowyer, Churchill, Deacon and Mavin (Lord Mayor).

Votes for: 52

Votes Against: 0

Abstentions: 0

No Vote/Absent: 5

Motion carried.

92.

Future of Pounds House PDF 96 KB

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Minutes:

Councillor Kelly introduced the motion on the Future of Pounds House. This was seconded by Councillor Patrick Nicholson.

Councillor Lowry proposed an amendment. This was seconded by Councillor Goslin. The amendment proposed was as follows:

The results of the COVID Pandemic have seen a massive increase in the use of Central Park and recreational spaces throughout Plymouth.~~Despite previous public comments from Labour Councillors urging the re-use of Pounds House, the Labour Council continues to allow the neglect and deterioration of an important local asset.~~

~~Conservative Councillors urge the City Council to end this deliberate neglect and to consult and work with the local community in agreeing future complementary uses for Pounds House.~~

The Council welcomes the investment proposed for Pounds House and looks forward to consulting and working with the local community in agreeing future complementary uses for this asset.

Resolved that:

The Cabinet Member for Finance, with responsibility for corporate property, be requested to bring a report to Scrutiny, to the relevant panel’s first meeting of the 2021/22 Municipal Year with the agreement of its members, on the future options for re-using Pounds House with complementary activities, to support the wider recreational activities in the Pounds House grounds and more widely in Central Park.

The meeting was briefly adjourned to consider the amendment. The amendment was accepted.

Following a debate, Councillor Darcy proposed to move to the vote. This was seconded by Councillor Rennie.

Council agreed to move to the vote and voted on the motion:

Votes for (51):

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Ball, Mrs Beer, Mrs Bridgeman, Buchan, Corvid, Carson, Coker, Dann, Darcy, Derrick, Sam Davey, Downie, Drean, Evans OBE, Haydon, Goslin, Hendy, James, Jordan, Johnson, Kelly, Laing, Mike Leaves, Sam Leaves, Loveridge, Lowry, McDonald, Morris, Murphy, Neil, Nicholson, Parker-Delaz-Ajete, Penberthy, Pengelly, Rennie, Riley, Singh, Pete Smith, Rebecca Smith, Stevens, Jon Taylor, Kate Taylor, Tuffin, Tuohy, Vincent, Ms Watkin, Wheeler, Wigens and Winter.

Votes Against (0):

Did not vote/Absent (6): Councillors Cook, Ian Bowyer, Mrs Bowyer, Churchill, Deacon and Mavin.

Votes for: 51

Votes Against: 0

Abstentions: 0

No Vote/Absent: 6

This motion was carried.

93.

Demise of the 'Friends of Central Park' PDF 98 KB

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Minutes:

Councillor Nicholson introduced the motion on the Demise of the ‘Friends of Central Park’. This was seconded by Councillor Kelly.

Following a debate the motion was lost:

Votes for (21):

Councillors Ball, Mrs Beer, Mrs Bridgeman, Carson, Darcy, Downie, Drean, James, Jordan, Johnson, Kelly, Mike Leaves, Sam Leaves, Loveridge, Nicholson, Mrs Pengelly, Riley, Singh, Rebecca Smith, Ms Watkin and Wigens.

Votes Against (29):

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Buchan, Corvid, Coker, Dann, Derrick, Sam Davey, Evans OBE, Haydon, Goslin, Hendy, Laing, Lowry, McDonald, Murphy, Neil, Parker-Delaz-Ajete, Penberthy, Rennie, Pete Smith, Stevens, Jon Taylor, Kate Taylor, Tuffin, Tuohy, Vincent, Wheeler and Vincent

No vote/Absent (7):

Councillors Ian Bowyer, Mrs Bowyer, Churchill, Cook, Deacon, Morris and Mavin (Lord Mayor)

Votes for: 21

Votes Against: 29

Abstentions: 0

No Vote/Absent: 7

The motion was lost.

94.

Urgent Key Decision to be Reported PDF 161 KB

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Minutes:

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE (Leader) gave a brief update on an urgent key decisions taken since the last meeting. The update was seconded by Councillor Kate Taylor (Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care).

· Covid 19 – Test and Trace Discretionary Support Payments

Council noted the urgent key decisions taken by Councillor Chris Penberthy in line with due process and published on 13 October 2020.

95.

Questions by Councillors

View the background to item 95.

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.

Additional documents:

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Minutes:

	From	To	Subject
1	Councillor Darren Winter	Councillor Mark Lowry	Last year residents within the St Budeaux Ward were consulted and as a result of this consultation they advised that they would like something to be done in relation to the public toilets located in St Budeaux square, can you update us on the future of the site.
	Response: St Budeaux Ward Councillors have contributed financially and agreement has been given to remove the current toilet facilities and to replace them with new ones, this is important to residents and to the transport hub within the square.
2	Councillor Brian Vincent	Councillor Pete Smith	In relation to Item 5 on today’s agenda and specifically the announcement in relation to improving the city’s parks, can you clarify whether or not Efford and Lipson ward will be subject to this?
	Response: The two playgrounds on Douglass Road and Severn Place will be upgraded and both Councillor Vincent and the residents of the ward will be consulted.
3	Councillor Jonathon Drean	Councillor Sue Dann	There is a build up of litter along the A38, who is responsible for the verges, Plymouth City Council or Highways England?
	Response: Highways England are responsible for the main trunk road and as a Local Authority we are responsible for cleaning on their behalf. Plymouth City Council had planned to do this however due to the unforeseen large volume in traffic during lockdown Plymouth City Council had to change plans and undertake the work at night. The team have been out on consecutive nights and have so far removed three tonnes of material along the roadside. This has consisted of normal littering but also fly tipping, this puts staff at risk as they have to work at night and Plymouth City Council are required to put in regulation orders to close the lanes. Councillor Sue Dann reiterated that it is a crime to dump waste and asked for more camera’s along the A38 to help catch those individuals.
	Supplementary: What are the frequencies of the planned tidy up’s during the year?
	Response: There is no set frequency, however Plymouth City Council are attempting to undertake the clearing of waste twice a year. This is dependant on Highways England and when they are undertaking their cutbacks. When they close the roads, it is the aim to align our schedule of works with theirs in order to prevent closing the roads twice and also to save money especially in traffic management costs
4	Councillor Chaz Singh	Councillor Mark Lowry	It is reported that the cost of the statue on the waterfront was £425,000 with the installation costing £339,000. Within the planning application it mentioned CCTV. How much is the CCTV costing the citizens of Plymouth for both the statue and West Hoe Pier.
	Response: The specific figure is not attainable during this meeting and it depends on the nature of the camera and whether the camera was placed on a structure or alternatively installed. Generally the cost for a new ... view the full minutes text for item 95.