To approve and sign the minutes of the meetings held on 9 September 2019 and 16 December 2019 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meetings held on 09 September and 16 December 2019 were agreed as a true and accurate record.

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

A general dispensation was granted in respect of item 7 on the agenda, Council Tax Base Setting.

There were no other declarations of interest.

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

The following appointments were noted:

·         Councillor McDonald replaces Councillor Corvid on Planning Committee;

·         Councillor Tuffin replaces Councillor Corvid on Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee;

·         Councillor Lowry replaces Councillor Corvid on Performance, Finance and Customer Focus Overview and Scrutiny Committee;

·         Councillor Nicholson fills the vacancy on the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee;

·         Councillor Derrick replaces Councillor Corvid as Vice-Chair of Taxi Licensing Committee.

(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 led a one minute silence to mark the Holocaust Memorial Day.

The Lord Mayor made the following announcements:

Operation Encompass

·         Devon and Cornwall Police in Partnership with Operation Encompass charity were the overall winner at the World Class Policing Awards, held in London on 14 November;

·         The awards celebrate and acknowledge the best in all aspects of 21^st century policing and reflect that effective modern day policing requires partnership and collaboration. A total of 54 finalists attended the Awards Ceremony with six winners chosen, including Operation Encompass as the overall winner;

·         Operation Encompass is a police and education early information sharing partnership enabling schools to offer immediate support for children and young people experiencing domestic abuse;

·         Congratulations were extended to Devon and Cornwall Police and Operation Encompass

Queen’s New Year’s Honours

·         The New Year’s Honours List 2020, published on Saturday 28 December, recognises the outstanding achievements of people across the United Kingdom;

o   Foster Carer Verna Pollard was been awarded an MBE for services to children. Verna has cared for dozens of children aged between four and eighteen over many years.

o   Plymouth City Council’s Service Director for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure was also awarded an MBE - Paul Barnard has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to housing and town planning.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Evans OBE made the following announcements:

·         The public opening of The Box has been confirmed for 16 May 2020;

·         Free admission for Plymouth residents has been agreed;

·         At the end of February a public ballot will be announced for the public to apply to attend a ‘sneak preview’ of The Box, this will take place on 02 May 2020;

·         A commemorative £2 coin is to be launched, recognising the importance of the Mayflower 400 anniversary; 

·         Highlighted several recent accolades bestowed on the city as being a top destination to visit in 2020, including in the New York Times and CNN;

·         An update on the UK’s exit from the European Union on Friday 31 January and the potential impact on the fishing industry, the agricultural industry, port infrastructure and investment.

·         The latest proposals from the Government on Fairer Funding for Adult Social Care, which the Local Government Association have stated could result in a loss of £8.3m of funding for Plymouth. This is an 11.58% reduction in funding, compared to areas such as Hampshire which will see an increase of £35m, £25m for Surrey and £4.7m for Gloucestershire. This is a formula funding change and the concern is that this could be applied to other areas of funding.

Councillor Smith, Deputy Leader, made the following announcements:

·         The opening of the St Budeaux Library and the launch of the new Library Charter – this details the commitment to users to provide a first class library service;

·         In August this year we will supporting the Lonely Yacht Race which will follow the original Fast Net course and will focus on amateur sailors;

·         Plymouth Hoe has been chosen to host the Tom  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

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 was one question from the public.

Mr Ramage asked the following question:

Insects are the bedrock of our relationship with nature but are in serious decline. The South-West Wildlife Trusts’ campaign literature calls for a major reduction in the amount, type, and frequency of pesticides used to manage gardens, parks, and urban areas, etc. Will PCC endorse and enact this?

Councillor Dann, Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene gave the following response:

We are aware of the concerns around chemical treatment of weeds, particularly Glyphosate and other herbicides. We have already reduced the use of chemicals in parks and playgrounds and do not use any pesticides when treating weeds. We have trialled a number of methods to remove unsightly weeds from roads, lanes and footpaths, but have found chemicals to be the most cost-effective method of control. Nevertheless, we continue to trial a more targeted application by staff on foot rather than in vehicles to achieve optimum results. This more manual (targeted) approach means that we do not spray weeds that are not growing, which has shown clear benefits, especially where residents are actively helping us by removing weeds outside their properties. The down side of this slower method is that it does mean the rapid life cycle of weeds can get ahead of our teams, especially at a time when climate change is extending the growing season.  We continue to balance efficient and effective control versus reducing chemical use and will continue to monitor the evidence and advice from DEFRA and other reputable bodies.

To approve the Council tax base for 2020/21

Councillor Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the item on Council Tax Base Setting 2020/21.

This was seconded by Councillor Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing and Co-Operative Development.

Following a discussion, Council agreed to:

1. Approve the Council Tax Base for 2020/21 of 74,603 as set out in the report;

2. Implement fully the provisions of the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Act 2018 which amends Section 11B of Local Government Finance Act 1992 (higher amount for long-term empty dwellings: England), as follows:

a. 1 April 2020 charge the maximum additional premium of:

o   100% of council tax charge for any dwelling empty between 2 and 5 years;

o   200% of council tax charge for any dwelling empty for 5 years or more.

b. From 1 April 2021 charge the maximum additional premium of:

o  100% council tax charge for any dwelling empty between 2 and 5 years;

o  200% council tax charge for any dwelling empty between 5 and 10 years;

o  300% council tax charge for any dwelling empty for 10 years or more.

For (53)

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

Against (0)

Abstain (0)

To approve the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2020/21.

Councillor Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing and Co-operative Development introduced the item on Council Tax Support Scheme 2020/21. This was seconded by Councillor Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance.

Following a discussion, Council agreed to:

1.    Approve the ten proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2020/21 as described in the report;

2.    Approve the council tax exceptional hardship policy to support customers in the event that they are no longer entitled to council tax support under the new scheme.

For (54)

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

Against (0)

Abstain (0)

To approve the Tamar Bridge & Torpoint Ferry Revenue Estimates and Capital Programme for 2020/21.

Councillor Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure introduced the item on Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry 2020/21 Revenue Estimates and Capital Programme. This was seconded by Councillor Wheeler.

Following a discussion, Council:

1.    Approved the TBTFJC’s 2020/21 Revenue Estimates and Capital Programme.

For (54)

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

Against (0)

Abstain (0)

To approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2020/21.

Councillor Smith, Deputy Leader introduced the item on Pay Policy Statement. This was seconded by Councillor Evans, OBE, Leader of the Council.

Following a discussion, Council agreed to:

1.    Approves the Pay Policy Statement for 2020/21 in line with the statutory requirement.

For (54)

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

Against (0)

Abstain (0)

To approve the Calendar of Committee meetings for 2020/21.

Councillor Smith, Deputy Leader, introduced the Calendar of Meetings 2020/21. This was seconded by Councillor Haydon.

Following a discussion, Council agreed that should the dates of meetings need to be changed, members of the opposition would be consulted as far as possible.

Council agreed to approve the proposed calendar of meetings for 2020/21 in order for scheduling of meetings to progress.

For (54)

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

Against (0)

Abstain (0)

There were no Motions on Notice.

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.