To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 27 February 2023  as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 February 2023 were agreed as an accurate record.

For (48)

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

Abstain (0)

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (2)

Councillors Allen and Darcy.

Councillor Allen joined the meeting during this item.

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.  

Councillor James Stoneman (Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Governance) introduced the report and highlighted:-

a)    The report asked for the appointment of 2 independent persons to be employed in light of the increasing numbers of complaints that were being received by the Monitoring Officer, as detailed in the report.

Following a contribution from Councillor Evans OBE the Council agreed to:-

1.    Approve the appointment of Rob Jeanes and Ian Brooking as Independent Persons.

For (49)

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

Abstain (0)

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (1)

Councillor Darcy.

The Lord Mayor explained:-

a)    Councillor Richard Bingley had resigned as Leader of the Council on 27 March 2023;

b)    The Constitution required that the Council appoint a new leader at the next ordinary meeting of the Council, which was 27 March 2023;

c)    Standing Orders would need to be suspended to allow for nominations to be made for the appointment of a new leader and for a vote to take place.

This was not passed.

For (8)

Councillors Churchill, Finn, Hulme, McLay, Poyser, Salmon, Singh and Wheeler,

Abstain (0)

Against (36)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Carlyle, Coker, Dr Cree, Cresswell, Drean, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Laing, Mrs Loveridge, Lowry, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McDonald, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Patel, Pengelly, Reilly, Rennie, Riley, Shayer, Smith, Stevens, Stoneman, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham and Ms Watkin.

Absent/Did Not Vote (6)

Councillor Mrs Bridgeman, Dann, Darcy, Harrison, Partridge and Penberthy.

Following the vote, Councillor Mark Shayer (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Economy), became Acting Leader until the Annual General Meeting in May 2023.

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.

The Lord Mayor explained:-

a)    There had been a significant number of Public Questions received for the meeting and in order for all of those members of public in attendance at the meeting to get the chance to ask their question there would need to be a vote to suspend standing orders to extend the amount of time for the item.

The Council agreed to suspend standing orders to allow for a longer time for this item.

For (48)

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

Abstain (0)

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (2)

Councillors Evans OBE and Darcy.

Councillor Darcy joined the meeting during this item.

The following questions were asked by Members of the Public.

(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 made the following announcements:-

a)    Congratulated the Plymouth Green Estate Management Solutions Team (Gems) for winning the ‘Best Workforce Initiative Award’ at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Annual Charity Awards;

b)    Congratulated Plymouth Grid, a Kickstart Apprentie Scheme the Council is in partnership with RIO and The National Trust on, which won the ‘Promoting Diversity Inclusion Award’ at the Kickstart Awards;

c)    Both would be recognised at the Staff Star Awards;

Councillor Mark Shayer (Acting Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Economy) made the following announcements:-

d)    Highlighted the achievements of this administration in the municipal year 2022/23, which were significant achievements and improvements for the city:-

                      i.        £21 million inward investment in sport, the biggest investment in sport since the Life Centre;

                     ii.        Timeout had rated Plymouth as one of the 14 most underrated destinations on the globe with a focus on The Box, food and The Lido with articles in the Telegraph, Daily Mirror and Daily Mail;

                    iii.        The Box had received national coverage for its Spring Arts program;

                    iv.        Designation of the UK’s first Freeport and securing the first tenant;

                     v.        The opening of the Smart Sound control room and 5G Network in The Sound;

                    vi.        Added Manufacturing facilities in Plymouth Science Park;

                  vii.        The launch of Plymouth Charter, promoting fairer and greener businesses;

                 viii.        Urban Splash start work at the previous Civic Centre;

                   ix.        Completion of the Melville building at Royal William Yard;

                    x.         Major land deals including a new M&S Food Hall at Derriford, Hilton Hotel on the Hoe and the appointment of the UK’s CEO of the first National Marine Park;

                   xi.        Engagement with 2.3 million people in the National Marine Park;

                  xii.        Production of the master plan for Mill Bay;

                 xiii.        Completion of the direct development at Barrack Courts;

Councillor Pat Patel (Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure & Sport) made the following announcements:-

e)    The King’s coronation in May 2023 would see people across the UK and Commonwealth come together to celebrate and Plymouth residents would be able to celebrate over the weekend by hosting street parties, community events in parks (fees for which will be waived) and opportunities to volunteer and special services at St Andrew’s Church. There would also be free public screening of the coronation and the Windsor concert on the Barbican thanks to funding from DCMS and the UK Government, Plymouth was one of only 35 cities to receive funding and Eurovision would be broadcast from the same funding:

f)     There had been a £21 million investment in Brickfields in partnership with Argyle Community Trust and Devonport communities;

Councillor Charlotte Carlyle (Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People):-

g)    15 high-calibre, experienced social works had been recruited with four having arrived in March and the other 11 due to arrive in April as part of overseas recruitment who will be supported through an induction plan to help make Plymouth their home;

h)     The Care Leavers Covenant had been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

Councillor James Stoneman (Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Governance) introduced the Plymouth City Council Net Zero Action Plan 2023-2026, which was seconded by Councillor Tom Briars-Delve.

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillors Singh, Poyser, Nicholson, Mrs Bridgeman, Tippetts, Cresswell, Smith and Coker, The Council agreed to:-

1.    Support and endorse the Plymouth City Council Net Zero Action Plan 2023-2026.

For (50)

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

Abstain (0)

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (0)

The meeting was adjourned for a break from 3.50pm to 4.10pm.

Councillor Mark Shayer (Acting Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Economy) introduced the Council Tax Discounts and Premiums report, which was seconded by Councillor James Stoneman (Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economy).

The Council agreed to:-

1.    Subject to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill receiving Royal Assent, from 1 April 2024 the current 100% premium for dwellings which are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished will be levied after a period of one year.

2.    Subject to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill receiving Royal Assent from 1 April 2024 a premium of 100% will be levied on all dwellings which are unoccupied and substantially furnished (second homes).

For (44)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Mrs Bridgeman, Carlyle, Coker, Dr Cree, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Drean, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Hulme, Laing, Mrs Loveridge, Lowry, Lugger, McDonald, McLay, Murphy, Nicholson, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Pengelly, Poyser, Reilly, Rennie, Riley, Salmon, Shayer, Singh, Smith, Stevens, Stoneman, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham and Wheeler.

Abstain (0)

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (6)

Councillors Churchill, Finn, Harrison, Dr Mahony, Noble and Ms Watkin.

Councillor Chris Penberthy (Deputy Lord Mayor and Chair of Performance, Finance and Customer Focus Overview and Scrutiny Committee) introduced the Scrutiny Annual Report, which was seconded by Councillor Jemima Laing (Chair of Education and Children’s Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee).

Following a contribution from Councillor Mrs Aspinall, The Council agreed to note the report.

Councillor Rebecca Smith (Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Homes and Communities) introduce the report the Lord Mayoralty 2023/23, which was seconded by Councillor Mrs Mary Aspinall.

Following a contribution from Councillor Stoneman, The Council agreed to:-

1.    Approve the recommendation from the Lord Mayor Selection Committee to appoint Councillor Jonathan Drean as Lord Mayor for 2023/24.

For (42)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Carlyle, Churchill, Coker, Dr Cree, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Laing, Mrs Loveridge, Lowry, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McDonald, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Pengelly, Reilly, Rennie, Riley, Salmon, Shayer, Singh, Smith, Stevens, Stoneman, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham and Ms Watkin.

Abstain (0)

Against (5)

Councillors Mrs Bridgeman, Hulme, McLay, Poyser and Wheeler.

Absent/Did Not Vote (3)

Councillors Drean, Finn and Harrison.

Councillor Jonathan Drean thanked Council for his appointment as Lord Mayor for 2023/23.

Councillor Andy Lugger (Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee) introduced the Audit and Governance Chair Annual Report, which was seconded by Councillor Mark Lowry.

Council agreed to note the report.

The Lord Mayor proposed suspending standing orders in order to allow Tracey Lee (Chief Executive) to speak on this item, which was seconded by Councillor Chris Penberthy (Deputy Lord Mayor).

For (49)

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

Abstain (0)

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (1)

Councillor Finn.

Tracey Lee (Chief Executive) provided a background to the Senior Management Structure and Organisational Design report. Councillor Mark Shayer (Acting Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Economy) introduced the report, which was seconded by Councillor Pat Patel (Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure & Sport).

For (50)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Mrs Bridgeman, Carlyle, Churchill, Coker, Dr Cree, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Drean, Evans OBE, Finn, Goslin, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Hulme, Laing, Mrs Loveridge, Lowry, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McDonald, McLay, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Pengelly, Poyser, Reilly, Rennie, Riley, Salmon, Shayer, Singh, Smith, Stevens, Stoneman, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy,

Wakeham, Ms Watkin and Wheeler.

Abstain (0)

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (0)

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

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE announced his intention to move a procedural motion. Following advice from the Lord Mayor, Councillor Evans asked for an adjournment word the motion.

The meeting was adjourned for 5 minutes.

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE asked to move a procedural motion to vary the order of business by hearing the motions in the following order before returning to the agenda as set out, which was seconded by Councillor Jemima Laing:

·         13a

·         13e

·         13f

·         13g

·         13h

·         13i

·         13b

·         13c

·         13d

This was passed.

For (41)

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

Abstain (3)

Councillors Mrs Bridgeman, Dann and Penberthy.

Against (6)

Councillors Hulme, McLay, Nicholson, Poyser, Singh and Wheeler.

Absent/Did Not Vote (0)

Councillor Jemima Laing introduced the motion for Plymouth City Council to treat Care Experience as if it were a Protected Characteristic, which was seconded by Councillor Dylan Tippetts.

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillors Carlyle, Cresswell, Harrison, Finn, Patel, Reilly and Smith, The Council agreed to:-

1.    Recognise-

                      i.        Every elected member and employee of the Council was a corporate parent to the children and care leavers in their care;

                     ii.        Councillors were all responsible for providing the best possible care, safeguarding and outcomes for the children who are looked after by then;

                    iii.        That Councils had a duty to put the needs of vulnerable people at the heart of decision-making through co-production and collaboration;

2.    Note

                      i.        A UCL study which showed 70% of care experienced people die early, over 50% of people who are in custody up to the age of 21 have been in care (Become Charity) and a quarter of the homeless population is care experienced (The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care);

                     ii.        That the Government commissioned an independent national review of children’s social care, chaired by Josh MacAlister, and one recommendation was to look at making care experience an additional protected characteristic; another was that all public bodies become corporate parents;

                    iii.        That the Government had not responded to the independent review.

3.    Believe

                      i.        Their children in care and those who have left care have the right to expect everything from a corporate parent that would be expected from a good and responsible parent. This includes how families continue their support, care, and ambition for their children after they leave home and gain independence including through employment opportunities;

                     ii.        That the authority had already taken important steps to support care experienced children and care leavers better such as the work on the Care Leavers’ Covenant but they can always do more;

                    iii.        That they could not wait until the government decided which recommendations to implement and therefore, here in Plymouth, they should act to be the best corporate parents they could be;

                    iv.        That when making any decisions in relation to policies or formulating the Corporate Plan that they should recognise care experienced people as a vulnerable group who face discrimination;

                     v.        That whilst they could not change national legislation, they could use their powers to ensure that the Council consider care experienced people as part of its decision making in order to seek to prevent discrimination and improve life chances, in doing this. This will mean that they’d treat people with care experience the same as those with a protected characteristic.

4.    And therefore resolved:

                      i.        That the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer ensure that all council making decision documentation had in it appropriate sections to allow for the impact upon ‘care experienced people’ to be considered in decision making, where relevant and that:

a. Officers considered how information might be captured and reported upon in a similar way to that of the Public Sector Equality Duty Annual report;

b.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73.

Councillor Lauren McLay introduced the motion on a Full Independent Review of the Armada Way Project and Establishment of a Tree Panel. This was seconded by Councillor Ian Poyser.

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillors Singh, Nicholson and Dr Mahony, The Council agreed to:-

1.    Note

                      i.        The recent controversy surrounding the Armada Way Project, which had caused significant concerns;

                     ii.        The importance of transparency and accountability in local government decision-making;

                    iii.        The need for lessons to be learned from the situation, to ensure that the issues that had arisen were avoided in the future;

                    iv.        That the people of Plymouth deserve transparency and accountability from their elected representatives, and that the Armada Way Project had highlighted significant shortcomings in the planning process and urged all councillors to support the motion, so that the Council could learn from the issues surrounding Armada Way and ensure that it does better in the future.

2.    The Council therefore resolved:-

                      i.        To recommend to Cabinet that they establish an Independent Review, with an independent Chair supported by a panel of experts and stakeholders, including representatives from the local community, businesses and environmental groups;

                     ii.        That the review will examine the following issues, amongst others:-

a. The decision making process followed including, but not limited to, full Council, cabinet and use of delegated powers;

b.The extent to which the council engaged with local communities, businesses and environmental groups throughout the process and how their feedback on the plans were incorporated;

c. The impact of the Armada Way Project on the local environment, including impact on local ecosystems, wildlife and biodiversity;

d.The financial implications of the Armada Way Project, including the cost to the council and to local taxpayers;

e. That the council will be provided regular updates on the progress of the review;

f.  That the review will produce a comprehensive report to be considered by Cabinet and referred to Council;

                    iii.        To recommend to Cabinet the establishment of a multi-stakeholder Tree Panel as a cross party working group of Cabinet and include co-optees with expertise in the field, to act as a consultative forum on matters impacting trees in the City.

For (50)

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

Abstain (0)

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (0)

Councillor Lauren McLay introduced the motion on notice of the impact of the UK Government’s Election Act 2022 on voting rights and voter suppression in Plymouth. This was seconded by Councillor George Wheeler.

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillors Evans OBE, Stoneman, Goslin, Singh and Churchill, the Council agreed to:-

1.    Note:-

                      i.        The requirement of the Elections Act 2022 for voters to provide accurate and specific types of photo identification at polling stations was a well-known cause of concern. It could disproportionately impact certain groups of voters, including young people, the elderly, those on low incomes, and those from ethnic minority backgrounds;

                     ii.        It was essential that this Council assessed the impact of this legislation following the May 2023 election and took all possible measures to ensure that no Plymouth resident was disenfranchised from voting in the future as a result of this legislation;

                    iii.        The Council believed that it was essential to ensure that all Plymouth residents were able to exercise their right to vote and that no one was disenfranchised as a result of the Election Act 2022 and call on the Government to reconsider the provisions of this legislation and to take steps to encourage engagement with democracy.

2.    The Council therefore resolved:

                      i.        The Council to call for officers to prepare a report for considerations at the Audit and Governance Committee concerning the impact of the Election Act 2022 on Plymouth’s elections in May 2023. This report should set out:-

a. An assessment of the impact of the Election Act 2022 on Plymouth residents and its election officials;

b.All actions being taken by the Council, the Returning Officer and the elections team to support people at future elections, including measures to provide information and support to those who may have struggled to meet new identification requirements;

c. Any additional resources and costs thereof that may be required to ensure that all Plymouth residents were able to exercise their right to vote in future local elections;

d.This report should be presented at the September 2023 meeting of Audit and Governance Committee, to allow sufficient time for the Council to take any necessary actions ahead of the May 2024 elections.

For (49)

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

Abstain (0)

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (1)

Councillor Riley.

Councillor Ian Poyser introduced the motion on urging the UK Government to provide additional funds and support to help Plymouth achieve its Net Zero 2030 target. This was seconded by Councillor McLay.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve put forward an amendment to change the recipient of the letter to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero as it was understood this would be more appropriate given the responsibilities of the role. This was seconded by Councillor Mark Coker.

For (39)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Churchill, Coker, Dr Cree, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Drean, Finn, Goslin, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Laing, Mrs Loveridge, Lugger, McDonald, McLay, Murphy, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Pengelly, Poyser, Reilly, Salmon, Singh, Stevens, Stoneman, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham, Ms Watkin and Wheeler.

Abstain (1)

Councillor Nicholson.

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not Vote (10)

Councillors Mrs Bridgeman, Carlyle, Evans OBE, Hulme, Lowry, Dr Mahony, Rennie, Riley, Shayer and Smith.

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillors Stoneman and Briars-Delve, The Council agreed to:-

1.    Note:-

                      i.        Plymouth has set an ambitious but necessary target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030, which is faster than the UK Government's 2050 target. This demonstrates our city's strong commitment to tackle the climate emergency and to be a leader in the transition to a low carbon economy;

                     ii.        However, achieving this target will require significant and consistent investment and support from the UK Government. One of the main obstacles is the availability of funding to insulate homes, improve heating systems, and promote sustainable transport, to name a few example;

                    iii.        The council further notes that achieving the net zero target will bring many benefits to Plymouth, including cleaner air, reduced energy bills, and job creation in the green economy;

2.    The Council therefore resolved:

                      i.        To call on the relevant Cabinet member, following the May 2023 election, to write to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, urging them to provide additional funds and support to help Plymouth reach its net zero 2030 target. The letter should note that:-

a. Plymouth's target is ambitious but achievable, if given appropriate investment and support from the UK Government;

b. One of the main obstacles to achieving this target is the availability of funding to insulate homes, improve heating systems, and promote sustainable transport, for example, and calls for the UK Government to provide additional funds and support to help address these obstacles;

c. The council also notes the importance of engaging with local communities and businesses in the transition to a low carbon economy and urges the UK Government to provide support for community-led initiatives and local businesses to help them transition to more sustainable practices.

For (47)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Carlyle, Churchill, Coker, Dr Cree, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Drean, Evans OBE, Finn, Goslin, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Laing, Lowry, Mrs Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McDonald, McLay, Murphy, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Pengelly, Poyser, Reilly, Rennie, Salmon, Shayer, Singh, Smith, Stevens, Stoneman, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham, Ms  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

Councillor Patrick Nicholson introduced the motion for reconsideration of proposed car parking charges. This was seconded by Councillor Chaz Singh.

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillors Wheeler, Coker, Shayer, Poyser, Smith and Evans OBE, The Council agreed to:-

1.    Request the Cabinet Member for Transport to delay implementing further increases or the introduction of new car parking charges to raise an additional £423,000.00 of revenue in 2023/24.

For (26)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Laing, Lowry, McLay, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Penberthy, Poyser, Reilly, Rennie, Singh, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy and Wheeler.

Abstain (1)

Councillor Dann.

Against (17)

Councillors Carlyle, Churchill, Darcy, Drean, Finn, Harrison, Lugger, Dr Mahony, Partridge, Patel, Pengelly, Salmon Shayer, Smith, Stoneman, Wakeham and Ms Watkin.

Absent/Did Not Vote (6)

Councillors Mrs Bridgeman, Dr Cree, Hulme, Mrs Loveridge, McDonald and Riley.

Please note that the voting record shows Councillor Salmon voting ‘For’ on this motion, but he signified during the meeting to Democratic Support that he had selected the incorrect button during the vote.

The Council agreed to suspend standing orders in order to complete the business of the meeting on that day.

For (44)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Carlyle, Churchill, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Drean, Evans OBE, Finn, Goslin, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Laing, Lowry, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McLay, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Pengelly, Poyser, Reilly, Rennie, Salmon, Shayer, Singh, Smith, Stevens, Stoneman, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham, Ms Watkin and Wheeler.

Abstain (0)

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not vote (6)

Councillors Mrs Bridgeman, Dr Cree, Hulme, Loveridge, McDonald and Riley.

Councillor Charlotte Holloway introduced the motion on addressing impacts of rising Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) numbers in Plymouth. This was seconded by Councillor Ian Tuffin.

Following a contribution from Councillors Smith, The Council agreed to:-

1.    Note:-

                      i.        That certain parts of Plymouth had experienced a significant increase in the number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in recent years, placing additional burdens on parking, waste collection, street cleanliness, and other local infrastructure, which was felt particularly acutely in parts of Drake, Compton and St Peter & The Waterfront Wards;

                     ii.        The Council wanted to see rented housing supply which met the needs of residents of Plymouth – with high quality housing which was properly regulated with enforced standards;

                    iii.        The challenges many families had in finding good and affordable homes, particularly given the hike in mortgage costs and interest rates following the disastrous decisions of former Conservative Prime Minister Liz Truss;

2.    The Council resolved to request that Cabinet:-

                      i.        Outline a clear policy on how areas with high HMO rates approaching the 10% limit set by the Joint Local Plan will be supported and what guardrails are in place to ensure that areas do not exceed 10%;

                     ii.        Remind all property owners with an HMO licence of the standards required and their responsibilities towards their tenants and to their local area;

                    iii.        Addresses landlords with bad practices and publicise the penalties for not following the rules;

                    iv.        Direct the waste and refuse team undertake additional efforts on meeting additional refuse collection needs on streets which have seen an increased number of HMOs in recent years;

                     v.        Review whether the level of resourcing for enforcement of HMO standards is sufficient to meet the increase in HMO numbers across the city;

                    vi.        Through the Leader, write to the Housing Secretary to ask for new legislation which mandates platforms like Airbnb share their data on lets with local authorities and that medium and long term Airbnb lets are brought in scope of current HMO legislation (and do not serve as a potential loophole for landlords seeking to avoid HMO rules) as well as Bed and Breakfast legislation, noting the additional impact that unregulated Airbnb’s were having on Plymouth’s hospitality industry;

                  vii.        Support community-led initiatives like “Love Greenbank” which seek to bring diverse communities together in areas with high HMO rates to help with community cohesion and tackling anti-social behaviour.

For (44)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Carlyle, Churchill, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Drean, Evans OBE, Finn, Goslin, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Laing, Lowry, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McLay, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Pengelly, Poyser, Reilly, Rennie, Salmon, Shayer, Singh, Smith, Stevens, Stoneman, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham, Ms Watkin and Wheeler.

Abstain (0)

Against (0)

Absent/Did Not vote (6)

Councillors Mrs Bridgeman, Dr Cree, Hulme, Mrs Loveridge, McDonald and Riley.

The Lord Mayor advised Council that:-

a)    Following Councillor Richard Bingley’s resignation as Leader of the Council, part of the motion was no longer relevant and with other motions that have needed to be altered in the past, amendments had needed to be submitted.

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE sought clarification on:-

b)    The interpretation of the Constitution on how a motion could be heard in part;

c)    Whether the Cabinet had been appointed by the previous Leader, Councillor Richard Bingley, or by the Deputy Leader, then acting Leader, Councillor Mark Shayer;

The Lord Mayor further advised:-

d)    The Constitution was not clear on this issue and she would be taking an adjournment to consider advice from officers.

The meeting was adjourned from 7.30pm to 8.08pm.

Councillors Allen, Hendy, Noble and Tuffin did not return to the meeting following the adjournment.

The Lord Mayor advised:-

e)    The Lord Mayor could not remove items from the agenda;

f)     Any amendments from Councillor Nicholson on the motion would need to be submitted to the Lord Mayor in writing as soon as possible;

g)    Councillor Richard Bingley had resigned at midday on the day of the meeting and therefore an amendment should have been submitted by Councillor Nicholson prior to the meeting;

After further consideration, and having reviewed the Constitution Part B Paragraph 4.17, The Lord Mayor put to Council a vote to remove the item from the agenda, this was seconded by Councillor Chris Penberthy (Deputy Lord Mayor).

The Council agreed to remove the item from the agenda.

For (19)

Councillors Carlyle, Churchill, Dann, Darcy, Drean, Harrison, Mrs Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McLay, Patel, Penberthy, Poyser, Salmon, Shayer, Smith, Stoneman, Wakeham and Ms Watkin.

Abstain (16)

Councillors Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Coker, Cresswell, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Holloway, Laing, Lowry. Murphy, Reilly, Rennie, Stevens, Tuohy and Wheeler.

Against (2)

Councillors Nicholson and Singh.

Absent/Did Not vote (13)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Bridgeman, Dr Cree, Finn, Hendy, Hulme, Loveridge, McDonald, Noble, Partridge, Riley, Tippetts and Tuffin.

As the matter of the motion concerned The Lord Mayor, they left the Chamber for this part of the meeting.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Deputy Lord Mayor, assumed the position of the Chair for this item and explained:-

a)    Councillor Nick Kelly had given apologies for the meeting and the Constitution was silent on the matter of a proposer not being present, and therefore it became a matter for the Lord Mayor;

b)    In Councillor Chris Penberthy’s capacity as Deputy Lord Mayor, and Chair for this item, he removed the item from the agenda as, following legal advice, it was not in order given legal correspondence that it was defamatory.

The meeting was adjourned from 8.17pm to 8.30pm.

Councillors Mrs Loveridge, Partridge and Tuohy did not return to the meeting following the adjournment.

Councillor Wheeler withdrew this motion from the agenda.

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.