Agenda and draft minutes

Venue: Council House, Plymouth

Contact: Ross Jago  Head of Governance, Performance and Risk

Items
No. Item

60.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 59 KB

To approve and sign the minutes of the meetings held on 20 November 2023 as a correct record.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the meetings held on 20 November 2023 were agreed as a correct record. 

61.

Declarations of Interest

Minutes:

The following declarations of interest were made by Councillors in accordance with the code of conduct -

 

Name  

Item Number 

Reason 

Interest 

Councillor Hendy 

16.b

Family member worked for private foster agency. 

Pecuniary 

Councillor Coker 

10

Licence Holder 

Pecuniary 

Councillor Harrison 

9

Family member possessed a licence.  

Pecuniary 

Councillor Patel 

10

Licence Holder 

Pecuniary 

Councillor Mahony 

8 and 16c

Not Specified

Pecuniary 

Councillor Lugger 

10

Licence Holder 

Pecuniary 

 

62.

Council Proportionality January 2024 pdf icon PDF 149 KB

The Assistant Chief Executive will submit a review of proportionality following changes to political groups.  

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council agreed to note the changes to proportionality for January 2024. 

63.

Questions by the Public

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.

Minutes:

The following question was submitted by Roy Hamilton

Question:When will the Licensing Authority meet with knowledgeable persons and Licensees who understand the economics and infrastructure of the Taxi Trade as promised during the March Scrutiny Committee Meeting and the Full Council Meeting held during November 2022? 

Response: I am aware that the former Conservative Leader suggested that scrutiny may be undertaken, I cannot understand why the then Cabinet did not bring it forward for scrutiny, however I do not answer for the former Cabinet.  

 

I have been the Cabinet Member responsible for Taxi Licensing since May 2023.  I have been keen to see changes to the 2022 policy due to the various economic and operational changes that have arisen since policy implementation in May 2022. Before making a recommendation to Council for change I ensured that a consultation was undertaken on new proposals.   

 

I have very much welcomed the engagement and comments we received from drivers, vehicle proprietors and operators as part of that consultation, and look forward to the debate on the item later in today’s meeting.  

 

 

 

The following question was submitted by George Wheeler: 

Question:The consultation over replacing the toilets at St Budeaux Square ended on 30th November. There were only three questions in the questionnaire. Why has a conclusion not yet been published and when will a decision on replacement be made, please? 

Response:The conclusion of the St Budeaux toilets consultation was announced by Cllr Penberthy on 26 January 2024. As announced, the replacement toilets will be installed during the St Budeaux Transport Interchange works. 

 

 

 

 

64.

Announcements

(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.

Minutes:

The Lord Mayor made the following announcements:

 

a)     One minute’s silence was requested and held for the passing of Freeman David Stark, a well-respected local politician with a long history of serving his community over a period of five decades;

 

b)    A moments silence was called for Holocaust Memorial Day;

 

c)     Long service awards were presented, and congratulations issued to Councillor Evans OBE (in his 36th year of service) and Councillor Nicholson (in his 29th year). 

 

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

 

d)    There had been a large amount of success in the procurement of funding for the city. This included:

                         i.         £26m from the National Lottery Horizons National Marine Park submission; 

                       ii.         £19.9 Million for the City’s Levelling Up Round 2 bid; 

                      iii.         £25m Freeport seed capital Grant;

                      iv.         £7.5m for business support from Innovate UK for the UK’s Maritime and Marine Launchpad; 

 

e)     £10.9m for the creative growth programme; 

 

f)      An “investment pipeline” of around £1 billion had been created; 

 

g)     The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport would be securing Sherford Employment land. The Freeport would be funding South Hams to purchase this land from the Housing Consortium and the Council would be looking to work closely with South hams to bring forward various employment schemes; 

 

h)    Langage Green Hydrogen Plant – More than £20m in funding for a green hydrogen hub had been secured by Carlton Power as part of the UK’s round one hydrogen allocation round for the Langage Green Hydrogen Plant and it planned to have the plant operational by 2026;

 

i)      The £26m improvement programme at Millbay Docks part funded by the Freeport had started; 

 

j)      £700,000 of the Shared Prosperity Fund had been dispersed to citizens of the city to support green skills, to encourage pathways to employment and to improve digital inclusion.  

 

Councillor Haydon (Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Libraries, Cemeteries & Crematoria) made the following announcements;

 

k)     Congratulated Jon Kelly & Mel Walker from the Trading-Standards team, who had won the Outstanding Project Award for the Council’s Illicit Tobacco work at the Trading Standards South West awards ceremony. 

 

Councillor Laing (Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care, Culture, Events and Communications) made the following announcements:

 

l)      Passed on thanks to all contributors of “make Christmas 2023 extra special for care-experienced young people”- a programme supporting young carers in the community over Christmas.  

  

Councillor Aspinall (Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care) made the following announcements: 

 

m)   The incumbent national government had issued a statement on vaping which echoed the current concerns of the Council and she gave her thanks to all members of the Council who had worked towards the current vaping targets.

 

 

Change to the order of business

Councillor Evans, seconded by Councillor Rennie, moved to a vote to request item 16.C (Plymouth Airport)be taken as next business, before returning to the scheduled order of proceedings.  

 

For (40)   

Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Mrs Beer, Blight, Briars-Delve, Mrs Bridgeman, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Dingle, Evans OBE, Gilmour, Goslin, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Hulme, Krizanac, Laing, Mrs Loveridge, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge, Penberthy, Penrose, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin and Tuohy. 

 

Abstain (10) 

Councillors Bingley, Carlyle, Darcy, Lugger,Dr Mahony, Patel, Smith, Tofan, Wakeham and Ms. Watkin. 

 

Against (0) 

 

Absent/Did not vote (3) 

Councillors Ricketts, Salmon and Shayer.

 

65.

Plymouth City Airport pdf icon PDF 55 KB

Minutes:

Councillor Dr Mahony left the room, due to a declaration of interest, at the commencement of this item at 2.30 pm.

 

This motion was proposed by Councillor Lugger (Leader of the Opposition) and seconded by Councillor Wakeham (Deputy Leader of the Opposition). 

 

After contributions from Councillors Patel and Evans OBE, Councillor Rennie, seconded by Councillor Stevens, moved to the end of debate of this item with a closure vote.  

 

For (31)  

Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Blight, Briars-Delve, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Dingle, Evans OBE, Gilmour, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Krizanac, Laing, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Noble, Penberthy, Penrose, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin and Tuohy. 

 

Abstain (0)  

 

Against (20)  

Councillors Mrs Bridgeman, Bingley, Mrs Beer, Carlyle, Darcy, Harrison, Hulme, Mrs. Loveridge, Lugger, McLay, Nicholson, Patel, Partridge, Poyser, Ricketts, Salmon, Smith, Tofan, Wakeham and Ms Watkin. 

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (2) 

Councillors Dr Mahony and Shayer. 

 

The Council agreed to: 

 

1.     Recommend to the Leader to instruct officers to immediately serve a ‘Notice of Forfeiture’ against the leaseholder of Plymouth City Airport. 

 

For (51)

Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Mrs Beer, Bingley, Blight, Briars-Delve, Mrs Bridgeman, Carlyle, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Dingle, Evans OBE, Gilmour, Goslin, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Hulme, Krizanac, Laing, Mrs. Loveridge, Lugger, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Penrose, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Ricketts, Salmon, Smith, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tofan, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham and Ms. Watkin. 

 

Abstain (0)  

 

Against (0)  

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (2) 

Councillor Dr Mahony and Shayer.

 

Councillor Tofan left the meeting at 3 pm.

 

Councillor Dr Mahony re-joined the meeting at the end of this item at 3.06 pm.

 

66.

Council Tax Base Setting 2024/25 and Council Tax Support Scheme 2024/25 pdf icon PDF 198 KB

Minutes:

The motionwas introduced by Councillor Penberthy (Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities) and seconded by Councillor Evans OBE (Leader of the Council). 

 

The Council agreed to:  

 

1.    The Council Tax Base for 2024/25 of 75,389 equivalent Band D dwellings as set out in the?report.? 

 

2.    The continuation of the current Council Tax Support scheme and Exceptional Hardship Scheme for 2024/25 with the amendments as set out in Paragraph 4. 

 

For (48)  

Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Mrs Beer, Bingley, Blight, Briars-Delve, Mrs Bridgeman, Carlyle, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Dingle, Evans OBE, Gilmour, Goslin, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Hulme, Krizanac, Laing, Loveridge, Lugger, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge,  Patel, Penberthy, Penrose, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Salmon, Smith, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham and Ms. Watkin.   

 

Abstain (0 

 

Against (0 

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (5) 

Councillors Darcy, Dr Mahony, Ricketts Shayer, and Tofan. 

 

 

67.

Council Tax Discounts and Premiums

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The motion was introduced by Councillor Penberthy (Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities) and seconded by Councillor Evans OBE (Leader of the Council). 

 

Following contributions from Councillor Mrs Bridgeman and Penberthy, the Council agreed to: 

 

1.     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.     From 1 April 2025 a premium of 100% will be levied on all dwellings which are unoccupied and substantially furnished (second homes). 

 

For (49 

 Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Mrs Beer, Blight, Briars-Delve, Mrs Bridgeman, Carlyle, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Dingle, Evans OBE, Gilmour, Goslin, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Hulme, Krizanac, Laing, Loveridge, Lugger, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Penrose, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Ricketts, Salmon, Smith, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham and Ms. Watkin.  

 

Abstain (1 

Councillor Bingley. 

 

Against (0 

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (3) 

 Councillor Dr Mahony, Shayer and Tofan. 

 

68.

Proposed amendments to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2022 in relation to Livery and Topographical Knowledge of Plymouth test pdf icon PDF 161 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The motion was introduced by Councillor Haydon (Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Libraries, Cemeteries & Crematoria) and seconded by Councillor Tippetts (Chair of Taxi Licensing Committee). 

 

Following contributions from Councillors Lugger, Moore and Partridge the Council agreed to the proposed amendments to the Taxi Policy to: 

? 

1.     Remove livery requirements for vehicles;?? 

 

2.     The removal of requirements for the Knowledge of Plymouth test for private hire drivers.? 

 

For (45 

 Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Mrs Beer, Bingley, Blight, Briars-Delve, Mrs Bridgeman, Carlyle, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Dingle, Evans OBE, Gilmour, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Hulme, Krizanac, Laing, Dr Mahony, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Penrose, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Smith, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, and Ms. Watkin 

 

Abstentions (3 

 Councillors Loveridge, Salmon and Wakeham. 

 

Against (2 

Councillors Lugger and Ricketts. 

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (3) 

Councillor Harrison, Shayer and Tofan. 

 

Councillor Harrison left the room at the conclusion of this item and returned at the commencement of the Stage Two Constitutional Changes item, as per her declaration of interest.

 

69.

Licensing Act 2003 – Statement of Licensing Policy 2024 - 2029 pdf icon PDF 162 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillors Coker and Lugger left the room at the beginning of this item.

 

The motion was introduced by Councillor Haydon (Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Libraries, Cemeteries & Crematoria) and seconded by Councillor Rennie (Chair of Licensing Committee). 

 

The Council agreed to:  

 

1.    Adoptthe Licensing Statement of Policy contained in Appendix A with effect from 31 March 2024.? 

 

For (49  

Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Mrs Beer, Bingley, Blight, Briars-Delve, Mrs Bridgeman, Carlyle, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Dingle, Evans OBE, Gilmour, Goslin, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Hulme, Krizanac, Laing, Loveridge, Dr Mahony, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Penrose, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Ricketts, Salmon, Smith, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy Wakeham and Ms. Watkin. 

 

Abstain (0 

 

Against (0 

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (4) 

 

Councillors Coker, Lugger, Shayer and Tofan.

 

Councillors Coker and Lugger returned to the room at the end of this item.

 

70.

Stage Two - Constitutional Changes pdf icon PDF 227 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The motionwas introduced by Councillor Allen (Chair of Audit and Governance Committee) and seconded by Councillor Stevens.

 

Following contributions from Councillors Nicholson, McLay, Stevens, Poyser, Krizanac and Allen, the Council agreed to approve-

 

1.    Amended Part E and Petition Scheme/Guidance; ? 
? 

2.    Standards Committee terms of reference. 

 

For (43 

 Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Bingley, Blight, Briars-Delve, Carlyle, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Dingle, Evans OBE, Gilmour, Goslin, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Krizanac, Laing, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Noble, Patel, Penberthy, Penrose, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Ricketts, Salmon, Smith, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tofan, Tuffin, Tuohy and Wakeham.  

 

Abstain (2 

 Councillors Loveridge, Partridge 

 

Against (6 

 Councillors Mrs Beer, Nicholson, Mrs Bridgeman, Hulme, Poyser and McLay. 

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (2) 

Councillors Shayer and Tofan.

71.

Electoral Cycle Consultation pdf icon PDF 178 KB

Minutes:

The motion was introduced by Councillor Allen (Chair of Audit and Governance Committee) and seconded by Councillor Stevens.

 

Following contributions from Councillors Lugger, Nicholson, Dr Mahony, Stevens the Council agreed-

 

1.     That a consultation exercise on the Council’s electoral cycle is undertaken to run concurrently with Local Government Boundary Commission for England proposals for revised ward names, numbers and boundaries between July and September 2024;

 

2.     Confirms the consultation questions agreed by the Audit and Governance Committee of 20 March 2023.

 

 

For (33 

Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Blight, Briars-Delve, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Dingle, Evans OBE, Gilmour, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Krizanac, Laing, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Noble, Penberthy, Penrose, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin and Tuohy. 

  

Abstain (2)  

Councillors Mrs Bridgeman and Ricketts.  

 

Against (15 

 Councillors Mrs Beer, Bingley, Darcy, Harrison, Hulme, Dr Mahony, Nicholson, Partridge, Patel, Smith, Mrs. Loveridge, Lugger, Salmon, Ms. Watkin and Wakeham. 

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (3) 

 Councillors Carlyle, Shayer and Tofan.

 

Councillor Carlyle had temporarily exited the room during this item, returning after the vote.

 

Councillor Bingley left the meeting at the conclusion of this item.

 

72.

Appointment of Statutory Officers (Monitoring Officer and s151 Officer) pdf icon PDF 152 KB

Minutes:

The motion was introduced by Councillor Dann (Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure & HR, and OD) and seconded by Councillor Laing (Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care, Culture, Events and Communications).Tracey Lee (Chief Executive) providedof the motion. 

 

Following contributions from Councillors, the Council agreed to-

 

1.    The designation of Elizabeth Bryant, Head of Legal Services as the Monitoring Officer in accordance with section 5 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 from the first day of service with the Council.?? 

 

2.    Approve the extension of the designation of David Northey as the Service Director for Finance (Section 151 Officer) to 31 March 2025.? 

 

For (49)  

Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Mrs Beer, Blight, Briars-Delve, Mrs Bridgeman, Carlyle, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Dingle, Evans OBE, Gilmour, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Hulme, Krizanac, Laing, Mrs. Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Penrose, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Ricketts, Salmon, Smith, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy Wakeham and Ms. Watkin. 

 

Abstain (0 

 

Against (0)  

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (4) 

Councillors Bingley, Harrison, Shayer and Tofan. 

 

73.

Pay Policy Statement 2024/25 pdf icon PDF 122 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The motion was introduced by Councillor Dann (Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure & HR, and OD) and seconded by Councillor Evans OBE(The Leader of the Council). 

 

Following contributions from Councillors, the Council agreed to-

 

1.    Approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2024/25.

 

For (49 

Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Mrs Beer, Blight, Briars-Delve, Mrs Bridgeman, Carlyle, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Dingle, Evans OBE, Goslin, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Hulme, Krizanac, Laing, Mrs. Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Penrose, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Ricketts, Salmon, Smith, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy Wakeham and Ms. Watkin. 

 

Abstain (0 

 

Against (0 

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (4) 

Councillor Bingley, Gilmour, Shayer and Tofan.

74.

Committee Calendar

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Thisitem was introduced by Councillor Aspinall (Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care) and seconded by Councillor Laing (Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care, Culture, Events and Communications). 

 

The Councilagreed tonote the indicative dates for meetings to be held in 2024 and 2025.? 

 

75.

Motions on notice

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

76.

Local Democratic Access pdf icon PDF 67 KB

Minutes:

This motion was proposed by Councillor Raynsford and seconded by Councillor Allen. 

 

The Council agreed to-

 

1.    Write to the Electoral Commission and the Speakers Committee on the Electoral Commission with copies to the Minister responsible asking that this 21st Century democratic deficit is investigated and that rules are put in place, or legislation amended, to ensure that candidates are able to reach out in local elections in person without incurring postal costs which would be prohibitive for smaller parties and independent candidates and that councils are enabled and supported in attempts to register hard to reach voters. 

 

For (39 

Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Mrs Beer, Blight, Briars-Delve, Mrs Bridgeman, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Dingle, Evans OBE, Goslin, Gilmour, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Hulme, Krizanac, Laing, Mrs. Loveridge, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge, Penberthy, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Ricketts, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy  

 

Abstain (3) 

Councillors Dr Mahony, Salmon and Harrison. 

 

Against (7 

 Councillors Carlyle, Darcy, Lugger, Patel, Smith, Wakeham, Ms. Watkin 

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (4) 

Councillor Bingley, Penrose, Shayer and Tofan.

 

The meeting was adjourned from 4.05 pm to 4.35 pm.

 

Councillor Hulme did not return to the meeting following the adjournment.  

 

 

77.

Excess Profits by Private Companies Providing Children’s Social Care pdf icon PDF 158 KB

Minutes:

Councillor Hendy left the room due to his declarations of interest, returning for the next item.

 

This motion was introduced by Councillor Jemima Laing (Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care, Culture, Events and Communications)and seconded by Councillor Sally Cresswell(Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships). 

 

After contributions from Councillors Reilly, Harrison, Smith and Krizanacthe Council agreed to-

 

1.    Write to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing) David Johnston OBE MP (with a copy to the Chair of the Education Select Committee) to make him aware of the situation and its potential impact on our children and young people in care and on the overall budget impacts on Plymouth City Council.? 

 

For (48 

Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Mrs Beer, Blight, Briars-Delve, Mrs Bridgeman, Carlyle, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Dingle, Evans OBE, Goslin, Gilmour, Harrison, Haydon, Holloway, Krizanac, Laing, Mrs. Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Penrose, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Ricketts, Salmon, Smith, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham, and Ms. Watkin. 

 

Abstain (0 

 

Against (0 

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (5) 

Councillor Bingley, Hendy, Hulme, Shayer and Tofan.

 

78.

Unauthorised Encampments pdf icon PDF 56 KB

Minutes:

This motion was introduced by Councillor Nicholson and seconded by Councillor Mrs Beer.

 

Councillor Penberthyproposed a move to the vote, seconded by Councillor Haydon, which was passed. 

 

For (35 

Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Blight, Briars-Delve, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Dingle, Evans OBE, Goslin, Gilmour, Hendy, Haydon, Holloway, Krizanac, Laing, Lugger, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy and Wakeham 

 

Abstain (1)

Councillor Smith. 

 

Against (5 

Councillors Mrs Beer, Nicholson, Mrs Bridgeman, Poyser, McLay, 

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (12) 

Councillors Bingley, Carlyle, Hulme, Mrs Loveridge, Dr Mahony, Salmon, Ms Watkin, Harrison, Penrose, Shayer, Ricketts and Tofan.

 

After summation by Councillor Nicholson, the Council agreed to-

 

1.    To request the Cabinet Member for Finance to consider providing a dedicated budget, in the forthcoming 2024/25 Council Budget, to account for costs associated with dealing with unauthorised encampments in Plymouth.?? 

 

2.    To request the Cabinet Member for Housing, Co-operative Development and Community, to review the Council’s policy for Unauthorised Encampments, learning from experiences in 2023 and sharing with Members of the City Council in due course, the Council’s approach to mitigating the impact of unauthorised encampments in 2024.  

  

For (48)  

Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Mrs Beer, Blight, Briars-Delve, Mrs Bridgeman, Carlyle, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Darcy, Dingle, Evans OBE, Goslin, Gilmour, Harrison, Hendy, Holloway, Krizanac, Laing, Mrs. Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Penrose, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Ricketts, Salmon, Smith, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham and Ms. Watkin. 

 

Abstain (0)  

 

Against (0)  

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (5) 

Councillor Bingley, Haydon, Hulme, Shayer and Tofan.

 

Councillor Darcy left the meeting at the conclusion of this item.

79.

In lieu of loos pdf icon PDF 125 KB

Minutes:

This motion was introduced by Councillor McLay and seconded by Councillor Poyser. 

 

Councillor Penberthy proposed an amendment to the motion, seconded byCouncillor Stevens.  

 

After contributions speaking to the amendment from Councillors Haydon, Mrs Beer and Smith, the amendment was passed 

 

For (42 

Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Blight, Briars-Delve, Carlyle, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Dingle, Evans OBE, Goslin, Gilmour, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Krizanac, Laing, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Noble, Patel, Penberthy, Penrose, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Salmon, Smith, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham and Ms. Watkin. 

 

Abstain (6 

Councillors Mrs Beer, Mrs Bridgeman, Mrs. Loveridge, Nicholson, Partridge and Ricketts. 

 

Against (0 

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (5) 

Councillors Bingley, Darcy, Hulme, Shayer, Tofan.

 

The Council agreed to the motion-

 

1.    To request the Cabinet Member for Housing, Co-operative Development and Communities to review the current public toilets strategy within the budget envelope available in order to maximise the impact of our public toilet provision and learn from best practice elsewhere; identify opportunities for additional external investment, both revenue and capital, and partnership opportunities to enhance Plymouth’s offer; and to take the results of this review to the appropriate scrutiny panel for consideration within 12 months.? 

 

For (44)  

Councillors Allen, Aspinall, Blight, Briars-Delve, Mrs Bridgeman, Carlyle, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Dingle, Evans OBE, Goslin, Gilmour, Harrison, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, Krizanac, Laing, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Penrose, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Ricketts, Salmon, Smith, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham and Ms. Watkin. 

 

Abstain (4)  

Councillors Mrs Beer, Mrs Bridgeman, Mrs Loveridge and Nicholson.

 

Against (0 

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (5) 

Councillors Bingley, Darcy, Hulme, Shayer and Tofan.

 

80.

Questions by Councillors

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.

Minutes:

From 

To 

Subject:  

Cllr Poyser 

Cllr 

Coker 

 

There had been a new ‘Bus Shelter contract’ signed. Would it be possible to inform the city of the process with a public statement of some form? 

Response:  These contracts had been inherited by the current administration. This would be difficult to implement without some form of review against performance targets which would be taking place in the near future.

Supplementary:  Would it be issued as a public statement online? 

Response: It would be shared with members and then decided upon.  

Cllr Dr Mahony 

Cllr 

Haydon 

 

During the 18 December there were numerous Lighting faults in the town centre, especially New George Street. These were reported on this evening and once again on the 9 January. The lights were still not fixed. Is this satisfactory? 

Response:  This would not be deemed acceptable and the administration were looking to find why the faults started.  

Supplementary: Many further lights had failed. Only 12 out of 32 were working in New George Street and Old Town Street. When would they be repaired

Response: Councillor Haydon would speak to Councillor Lowry for clarity.  

Cllr Harrison 

Cllr 

Briars-Delve 

 

There have been issues with grass cutting in the previous season, including slopes causing issues for robot mowers. How long should councillors and residents wait? Does grass that has been cut in January constitute an ‘end of season cut?’ 

Response: There have been issues. The new season was set to begin in spring.  

Supplementary: Is the end of January acceptable? Areas around Plympton had still not been cut by the date of this meeting. Was there a deadline or timescale? 

Response: It was necessary for a degree of flexibility to be implemented, there was no ‘set time’; staffing levels fluctuate. An additional £300,000 had been invested into the grass cutting teams which would ameliorate the position of the team.  

 

 

Please note that questions, answers, supplementary questions and supplementary answers have been summarised.