Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council House, Plymouth

Contact: Ross Jago  Head of Governance, Performance and Risk

Items
No. Item

24.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 71 KB

To approve and sign the minutes of the meetings held on 19 June 2023 as a correct record.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Before this item the Lord Mayor welcomed Councillors Alison Raynsford and Stefan Krizanac to the Chamber.

 

The minutes of the meetings held on 19 June 2023 were agreed as a correct record.

25.

Declarations of Interest

Minutes:

The Lord Mayor announced that a General Dispensation had been granted by the Monitoring Officer to all Members, in relation to item 12 - Independent Remuneration panel.

 

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

Item Number

Reason

Interest

Councillor Holloway

13D

Was employed by a company that provided software for online meetings.

Personal

Councillor Stoneman

11

Family employed by the Local Authority

Pecuniary

Councillor Reilly

11

Family employed by the Local Authority

Pecuniary

 

26.

Appointments to committees, outside bodies and Council Proportionality pdf icon PDF 149 KB

The Assistant Chief Executive will submit a report concerning changes to the political proportionality of the Council.    

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

City Council agreed to note the appointments to Committees, Outside Bodies and Council Proportionality, as detailed within the report.

 

 

27.

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:

There were 5 questions from members of the public received in accordance with the Constitution:

 

The following question was submitted by George Wheeler -

Question: The 2023-4 budget included provision for a further £20,000 to be made towards replacement of the public toilets in St Budeaux Square. Can you tell me when this work is to be undertaken, please?

Answer: You are right in identifying that a £20,000 provision was included in the Council budget for 2023/24. This is directly because of the Plymouth Labour amendment moved as a result of the lobbying by Councillor Haydon. This administration is committed to the provision of public toilets in the vicinity of St Budeaux Square and shops. Over the past few months, I have had conversations with Councillors Haydon and Dingle about the provision of these toilets. I am happy to support their campaign and want to hear from the people of St Budeaux. I have already announced that the Council will open a consultation of future provisions of St Budeaux toilets by the end of September. The consultation will run for two months. I will review the findings of the consultation in order to ensure that the new toilets we provide meet local needs and aspirations. I will then commission provision of toilets for St Budeaux.

 

The following question as submitted by Dave Curno -

Question: PCC confirmed it would seek peer advice from another Council when considering the Armada Way TPO application and that it had approached another Council. PCC’s reply to a FOI request FS-case-541381192 indicates this was not in fact done. Who made the decision not to request recommendations from another Council?

Answer: Thank you for your latest question on Armada Way. The previous FOI was answered factually when we responded: ‘that Plymouth City Council did not request or receive any recommendation from another Local Authority in respect of the TPO request for Armada Way’. In response to a complaint to the Council’s Monitoring Officer about a potential conflict of interest between officers dealing with the Armada Way project and those assessing the TPO request, it was agreed by the Strategic Director for Place and the Monitoring Officer that the TPO should be subject to independent assessment. The Strategic Director for Place did contact a number of Local Authorities to discuss the process for conducting an independent TPO assessment. At no time did the Strategic Director request or receive their review or recommendation on the merits of the armada Way TPO case. The Strategic Director for Place delegated the decision making powers in respect of assessing the request for a TPO to the Head of Development Management. The Head of Development Management appointed an independent Tree Consultant - JK Tree Consultancy - to carry out the TPO assessment and make a recommendation for the consideration of the Head of Development Management. It is common practice for Council’s to seek advice from independent and appropriately qualified chartered consultants. Therefore, no one made a decision not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

28.

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:

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

 

a)    There was a need to reflect that a year ago today, the then Prime Minister, Liz Truss, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced their policies of which the repercussions were still being felt today. This had resulted in the lowest Government Bond Yields in decades, with many Plymouthians left struggling with soaring rents and mortgages. There was yet to be an apology from the Prime Minister, and the Labour Party were calling for her Resignation Honours List to not be proceeded with, as was within the current Prime Minister’s powers;

 

b)    On Friday, the Leader and Councillor Lugger had submitted Plymouth City Council’s round 2 submission to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the National Marine Park;

 

c)    The Plymouth Sound National Marine Park was an exciting project, and would become the UK’s 16th National Park, and the first National Marine Park anywhere in the UK. This was a significant moment for a maritime nation, equivalent to the creation of the first national park in the Peak District in 1952;

 

d)    The project was a £22m project, of which Plymouth City Council were asking the Lottery for £11.6m;

 

e)    Consultation had been undertaken with 10,000 people to develop the project, and an amazing partnership had been developed;

 

f)     The project was about celebrating Plymouth’s Heritage, and would focus on restoring neglected buildings across the foreshore at Mountbatten, Tinside and Mount Edgcumbe;

 

g)    The project would see the opening of 2 Napoleonic forts on a daily basis first for the first time;

 

h)    The project would work intensively with 30 schools, with a National Marine Park champion appointed in every school in the City;

 

i)     There would be a Nature Boost programme restoring mudflats, sea grass and estuaries to bring back wrays, seahorses, rare birds, fish, and a range of endangered species;

 

j)     The largest ever engagement programme would be initiated, reaching into Plymouth’s northern estates. This would enable people to get in on or under the water, as well as engage through the creation a digital park;

 

k)    People would be encouraged to explore jobs in the new Blue/Green economy, and the Council would work with partners to become Net Zero, as demonstrated through the recent announcement at Millbay;

 

l)     There was a ten year funded plan to ensure that the park was sustainable, and had proper governance;

 

m)  Funding had been ring-fenced, and the current project stage aimed to set out the detailed plans. All of the necessary permissions had been attained, and the match funding had been secured. Subject to the Lottery approving the plan, the next phase would begin in January, helping to place Plymouth on the map.

 

A video was played at this point demonstrating the National Marine Park Bid.

 

n)    The Leader thanked David Draffan (Service Director of Economic Development) for his leadership of the programme, as well as Elaine Hayes (CEO National Marine Park) Sharon Mercer (Head of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

29.

Medium Term Financial Strategy 2023/24 - 2027/28 pdf icon PDF 157 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report was introduced by Councillor Mark Lowry (Cabinet Member for Finance) and seconded by Councillor Ian Darcy (Chair of the Performance, Finance and Customer Service Overview and Scrutiny Committee).

 

Following contributions from Councillors Allen and Penberthy the Council agreed to:

 

1.    Approve the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2023/24 – 2027/28.

 

For (48)

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

 

Abstain (4)

Councillor Mrs Beer, Nicholson, Partridge and Ricketts.

 

Against (0)

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (0)

 

 

30.

Capital Monitoring Report pdf icon PDF 384 KB

Minutes:

Councillor Mark Lowry (Cabinet Member for Finance) introduced the report, which was seconded by Councillor Chris Penberthy (Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities).

 

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillors Briars-Delve and Sproston, Council agreed:

 

1.    The amended Capital Budget 2023-2028 was revised to £556.722m as shown in Table 1 within the report.

 

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, Lowry, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Patel, Penberthy, Penrose, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Salmon, Smith, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Stoneman, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham and Ms Watkin.

 

Abstain (2)

Councillors Partridge and Ricketts.

 

Against (0)

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (1)

Councillor Shayer.

31.

Treasury Management Annual Report 2022/23 pdf icon PDF 331 KB

Minutes:

Councillor Mark Lowry (Cabinet Member for Finance) introduced the report, which was seconded by Councillor Sarah Allen (Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee).

 

Following a contribution from Councillor Darcy, Council agreed:

 

1.    To approve the Treasury Management Annual Report 2022/23.

 

For (50)

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, Lowry, Lugger, Dr Mahony, McLay, McNamara, Moore, Murphy, Nicholson, Noble, Partridge, Patel, Penberthy, Penrose, Poyser, Raynsford, Reilly, Rennie, Salmon, Smith, Sproston, Stephens, Stevens, Stoneman, Tippetts, Tuffin, Tuohy, Wakeham and Ms Watkin.

 

Abstain (1)

Councillor Ricketts.

 

Against (0)

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (1)

Councillor Shayer.

 

32.

Recommendations from Audit and Governance Committee on Stage One Constitutional changes pdf icon PDF 196 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report was introduced by Councillor Sarah Allen (Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee) and seconded by Councillor Dr Mahony.

 

Councillor Ian Poyser proposed an amendment which was seconded by Councillor Lauren McLay.

 

The meeting was adjourned for 10 minutes to allow members time to consider the amendment.

 

Following contributions from Councillors Patrick Nicholson, Mrs Terri Beer, Bill Stevens, Council agreed to:

 

Contributions from Nicholson, Beer, Stevens the Council agreed to:

 

1.    Approve the amendments to Part A, Part B of the Constitution;

2.    Refer the Petition Scheme Guidance back to the Audit and Governance Committee.

 

For: Councillors Apinall, Haydon Coker, Dann, Evans OBE, Hendy, Lowry, Murphy, Penberthy, Rennie, Stevens, Tuffin, Tuohy, Mrs Beer, Darcy, Stoneman, Goslin, Dr Mahony, Nicholson, Smith, Mrs Bridgeman, Laing, Allen, Ms Watkin, Wakeham, Cresswell, Partridge, Salmon, Hulme, Harrison, Patel, Carlyle, Raynsford, Holloway, Briars-Delve, Tippetts, Reilly, Lugger, Poyser, Noble, McLay, Blight, Dingle, Gilmour, Moore, Penrose, Sproston, Stephens, McNamara and Kriznanac (50)

 

Abstain: Councillor Ricketts (1)

 

Against: (0)

 

Absent/did not vote: Councillors Mrs Loveridge, Shayer, Dr Cree, Bingley, Tofan and Finn (6)

33.

Updated Pay Policy Statement pdf icon PDF 119 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(Council agreed to suspend standing orders to allow Tracey Lee (Chief Executive) to speak on the item which was proposed by the Lord Mayor and seconded by Councillor Dann).

 

Councillor Sue Dann introduced the report which was seconded by Councillor Tudor Evans OBE.

 

Following a contribution from Councillor Hulme, Council agreed to:

 

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

 

For: Councillors Apinall, Haydon Coker, Dann, Evans OBE, Hendy, Lowry, Murphy, Penberthy, Rennie, Stevens, Tuffin, Tuohy, Mrs Beer, Darcy, Goslin, Nicholson, Smith, Mrs Bridgeman, Laing, Allen, Ms Watkin, Wakeham, Cresswell, Partridge, Salmon, Hulme, Harrison, Patel, Carlyle, Raynsford, Holloway, Briars-Delve, Tippetts, Lugger, Poyser, Noble, McLay, Blight, Dingle, Gilmour, Moore, Penrose, Sproston, Stephens, McNamara, Ricketts and Kriznanac. (48)

 

Abstain: (0)

 

Against: (0)

 

Absent/did not vote: Councillors Mrs Loveridge, Dr Mahony, Shayer, Dr Cree, Bingley, Tofan, Stoneman, Reilly and Finn (9)

34.

Councillor Allowance Scheme - Recommendations from the Independent Remuneration Panel pdf icon PDF 173 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillors Lowry and Reilly left the meeting at the beginning of this item.

 

Council agreed to suspend standing orders to enable Mr Duncan Currall (independent member of the remuneration panel which was proposed by the Lord Mayor and seconded by the Deputy Lord Mayor)

 

Councillors Lowry, Reilly, Stoneman returned the meeting following the vote.

 

The Lord Mayor proposed the report which was seconded by the Deputy Lord Mayor.

 

Following a contribution from Councillor Nicholson the Council agreed to approve the following amendments to the allowance scheme that:

 

1.    There are no changes to the Basic Councillors’ Allowance and that this will continue to rise in line with staff pay awards. As pay awards currently being negotiated refer to a single consolidated addition to NJC pay points, the Panel recommends that basic allowances should increase in line with the equivalent percentage increase to the mid-point of the pay spine (pay point 22).

 

2.    Excluding payments to Other Minority Group Leaders (recommendation 6 below), there are no changes to the Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) which will increase in line with staff pay awards (as above).

 

3.    The travel allowance for Councillors should remain the same as the locally agreed rates payable to Council staff, and that they be changed as and when the staff rates are changed.

 

4.    The list of approved duties is applicable to both Travel and Subsistence Allowance and Dependent Carers Allowances and Councillors undertaking approved duties may claim Travel, Subsistence and Dependent carers allowance unless remuneration and/or expenses are provided by the body to which the approved duty relates

 

5.    An annual stipend of £1500 is provided to Co-opted Members on Committees convened under the Local Government Act 1972.

 

6.    SRAs for Other Minority Group Leaders (excluding the largest opposition group) will be payable based on the number of members in the group. For groups of less than five members, the Leader of the group will receive an annual SRA of £1000, increasing by £1000 for every five additional Councillors.

 

7.    Facilities (group rooms etc) are offered to all Councillors. Groups with less than 5 members will share facilities with similar sized groups and non-aligned independent Councillors.

 

8.    An expenses fund not exceeding £2000 be established in the Lord Mayor’s office to cover necessary out of pocket expenses incurred by the Deputy Lord Mayor in the event that they are in receipt of a SRAs for another role and are therefore unable to claim the Deputy Lord Mayor’s allowance. Any claims from the fund will be made on receipt.

 

For: Councillors Aspinall, Haydon Coker, Dann, Evans OBE, Lowry, Hendy, Murphy, Penberthy, Rennie, Stevens, Tuffin, Tuohy, Mrs Beer, Darcy, Stoneman, Goslin, Nicholson, Smith, Mrs Bridgeman, Laing, Allen, Ms Watkin, Wakeham, Cresswell, Salmon, Hulme, Harrison, Patel, Carlyle, Raynsford, Holloway, Briars-Delve, Reilly Tippetts, Lugger, Poyser, Noble, McLay, Blight, Dingle, Gilmour, Moore, Penrose, Sproston, Stephens, McNamara, Dr Mahony and Kriznanac. (49)

 

Abstain: Councillors Partridge and Ricketts (2)

 

Against: (0)

 

Absent/did not vote: Councillors Mrs Loveridge, Shayer, Dr Cree, Bingley,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

35.

Motions on notice

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

36.

Motor neurone disease (MND) pdf icon PDF 60 KB

Minutes:

A video was shown to members before the break from Steven Wharton.

 

(Following the video, Council took a break for 30 minutes)

Councillor Hulme did not return to the meeting.

 

The motion was introduced by Councillor Jon Dingle and seconded by Councillor Sally Haydon.

 

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillors Dann, Harrison, Bridgeman, Shayer Council agreed to:

 

  1. Ask the Leader to write to the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation and the Minister for Health and Secondary Care to request increased funding for MND research and to support the raising of awareness for this condition.

 

  1. Ask the Leader to write to the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work to implement more targeted energy support for households affected by MND.

 

  1. To request Plymouth City Council to review its policy regarding how people who are housebound are able to access the council’s democratic processes.

 

  1. To make Steve Wharton the Plymouth City Council Champion for those living with MND so he can work with the council to help raise awareness of this condition.

 

For: Councillors Aspinall, Haydon, Coker, Evans OBE, Hendy, Lowry, Murphy, Penberthy, Rennie, Stevens, Tuffin, Tuohy, Mrs Beer, Darcy, Stoneman, Goslin, Dr Mahony, Nicholson, Smith, Mrs Bridgeman, Laing Allen, Ms Watkin, Wakeham, Cresswell, Partridge, Salmon, Harrison, Patel, Carlyle, Raynsford, Holloway, Briars-Delve, Reilly, Tippetts, Lugger, Poyser, Noble, McLay, Blight, Dingle, Gilmour, Moore, Penrose, Ricketts, Sproston, Stephens, McNamara and Krizanac (50)

 

Abstain: (0)

 

Absent/Did not vote: Councillors Mrs Loveridge, Shayer, Hulme, Dr Cree, Bingley, Tofan, Finn (7)

 

 

37.

Impact of Vaping on Young People pdf icon PDF 58 KB

Minutes:

Councillor Mrs Beer proposed as amended the Motion and was seconded by Councillor Patrick Nicholson.

 

Councillor Aspinall proposed an amendment which was seconded by Councillor Sally Haydo, which Council passed.

 

Following contributions from Councillors Harrison, McLay and Gilmour Council agreed to:

 

1.    To note that the Health and Wellbeing Board has established a Working Group to produce a joint response with partners on the issues around vaping and young people. 

 

2.    To write to Neil O’Brien MP Minister for Primary Care and Public Health to ask forthe rapid publication of the review and consultation into Youth Vaping, with urgent implementation of the recommended measures, especially those aimed at reducing the appeal of vapes to children and young people  

 

3.    To request that the Government ban single use Vapes, that are attractive to young people andthat are causing littering and environmental our 3 local MPs to take this message to government. 

 

4.    To encourage the City Council’s Public Protection Department and trading standards to continue to undertake random test purchases across Plymouth, to catch those who do sell to young people under the age of 18 years.  

 

5.    To continue to encourage schools to engage withchildren and young people, and parents to ensure they know the risks that vaping has on young people and the developing mind. 

 

6.    To request all schools within Plymouth to ban vapes within their premises. 

 

For: Councillors Aspinall, Haydon, Coker, Dann, Evans OBE, Hendy, Lowry, Murphy, Penberthy, Rennie, Stevens, Tuffin, Tuohy, Mrs Beer, Darcy, Stoneman, Goslin, Dr Mahony, Nicholson, Smith, Mrs Bridgeman, Laing, Ms Watkin, Wakeham, Cresswell, Partridge, Salmon, Harrison, Patel, Carlyle, Raynsford, Holloway, Briars-Delve, Reilly, Lugger, Poyser, Noble, McLay, Blight, Dingle, Gilmour, Moore, Penrose, Sproston, McNamara and Krizanac (46)

 

Abstain: (0)

 

Absent/Did not vote: Councillors Allen, Mrs Loveridge, Shayer, Hulme, Dr Cree, Bingley, Ricketts, Stephens, Tofan, Tippetts and Finn (11)

 

 

 

 

 

38.

Nursery Provision pdf icon PDF 196 KB

Minutes:

Councillor Sally Cresswell introduced the motion on Nursery Provision, which was seconded by Councillor John Stephens.

 

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillors Harrison, Goslin and Mrs Beer, Council agreed to:

 

1.    Note that the financial pressures on our nurseries had been increasing, which had become even more apparent with the cost of living crisis and inflation;

2.    Ask The Leader to write to the new Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing) David Johnston OBE MP to make him aware of the situation and its potential impact on Plymouth Families and Households with children. As well as the impact on Plymouth’s local economy and the economic pressures being placed on nursery providers.

 

For (47)

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

 

Abstain (1)

Councillor Lugger.

 

Against (0)

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (4)

Councillors Hulme, Nicholson, Shayer and Tippetts.

39.

Online Meetings pdf icon PDF 56 KB

Minutes:

Councillor Eddie Rennie introduced the motion on Online Meetings, which was seconded by Councillor Bill Stevens.

 

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillors Mrs Bridgeman, Mrs Beer, Penberthy, Stoneman, Penberthy and Nicholson, Council agreed to:

 

1.    Support the petition launched by the Association of Democratic Services Officers / Lawyers in Local Government with regard to remote and hybrid meetings;

2.    To request The Leader write to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities calling on the Government to respond to the call for evidence which closed two years ago and change the law to allow councils the flexibility to hold such meetings when they deem appropriate within agreed rules and procedures.

 

For (41)

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

 

Abstain (6)

Councillors Darcy, Dr Mahony, Patel, Smith, Stoneman and Ms Watkin.

 

Against (1)

Councillor Ricketts.

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (4)

Councillors Holloway, Hulme, Shayer and Tippetts.

40.

The formation of a Strategic Working Group to progress the re-opening of Plymouth Airport pdf icon PDF 57 KB

Minutes:

Councillor Andy Lugger introduced the motion on the formation of a Strategic Working Group to progress the re-opening of Plymouth Airport, which was seconded by Councillor Bill Wakeham.

 

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE proposed an amendment, which was seconded by Councillor Lowry.

 

The meeting was adjourned for 10 minutes to allow members to consider the amendment.

 

Following contributions from Councillors Lugger and Mrs Bridgeman, Council agreed to accept the amendment.

 

For (47)

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

 

Abstain (2)

Councillors Poyser and McLay.

 

Against (0)

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (3)

Councillors Hulme, Shayer and Tippetts.

 

Following further contributions from Councillors Poyser and Nicholson, Council agreed to recommend to Cabinet:

 

1.    To form a cross-party Strategic Working Group to further the re-opening of the site for aviation, subject to the successful acquisition of the land. 

 

For (47)

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

 

Abstain (0)

 

Against (2)

Councillors Poyser and McLay.

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (3)

Councillors Hulme, Shayer and Tippetts.

41.

Recognizing the Importance of Outdoor Play in Child Development and the Need for a City-Wide Play Strategy pdf icon PDF 75 KB

Minutes:

Councillor Lauren McLay introduced the motion on recognising the important of outdoor play in child development and the need for a city-wide play strategy, which was seconded by Councillor Poyser.

 

Following contributions from Councillors Dann, Briars-Delve, Noble, Harrison, Smith and Coker, Council agreed to:

 

1.    Note that: 

a.     A central aim of our current Corporate Plan is ‘to make Plymouth a great place to grow up and grow old’;

b.    Outdoor play is crucial for children's overall development, fostering physical fitness, cognitive abilities, social skills, and emotional well-being. It promotes creativity, problem solving, and resilience, while also encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle;

c.      Plymouth currently benefits from over 125 play parks, which cater to diverse age groups and offer various types of play equipment. These play areas are an essential community asset, contributing to the well-being of children and families across the city;

d.    There is a need to build upon legacy schemes (Improving Plymouth Play and Improving Outdoor Play Programme) to ensure that we continue to improve and expand outdoor play opportunities for all children in Plymouth;

2.    Note that by reviewing the city-wide play strategy:

a.      Plymouth City Council would reaffirm its commitment to prioritise outdoor play as a key component of child development and well-being. And;

b.    It would restate how having  a comprehensive and well-considered city-wide play strategy, the Council can continue external funding from various sources, maximizing the potential for investment in new and existing play facilities; 

3.    Resolved that the opportunity was taken to use the Plymouth Plan Review taking place in 2024 to ensure that play was embedded into the plan and that it then set a framework for a play delivery plan with targeted interventions. This action was to be included in the work programme of the relevant scrutiny committee. 

 

For (43)

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

 

Abstain (0)

 

Against (0)

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (9)

Councillors Mrs Beer, Mrs Bridgeman, Hulme, Krizanac, Nicholson, Partridge, Reilly, Shayer and Tippetts.

42.

Council Tax Exemption for Foster Carers pdf icon PDF 53 KB

Minutes:

Councillor Charlotte Carlyle introduced the motion on Council Tax exemption for foster carers, which was seconded by Councillor Ian Darcy.

 

Councillor Jemima Laing proposed that the matter was referred to the Education and Children’s Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillors Laing, Lowry and Smith, Council agreed to:

 

1.    To refer the motion to the Education and Children’s’ Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee,  to enable scrutiny of the detail of the proposal including which Foster Carers would be covered and the financial impact upon the Council.

 

For (41)

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

 

Abstain (0)

 

Against (0)

 

Absent/Did Not Vote (9)

Councillors Mrs Beer, Mrs Bridgeman, Hulme, Krizanac, Nicholson, Partridge, Penrose, Reilly, Shayer, Stevens, and Tippetts.

 

43.

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

1

Councillor Allen

Councillor Laing

Had anyone moved into the new supported accommodation for care experienced young people and how was the project going?

Response: 2 young people had moved in so far. Move-ins were being fazed to allow the young people to settle and have the best support from staff.

2

Councillor Patel

Councillor Coker

Where the improvements to St Budeaux square under TCF funding going to take place?

Response: Alderman Wheeler had also been asking this question. The plans for the mobility hubs at the square were in progress, and he was hoping to sign them off in the coming weeks, and a bus shelter was included in that. He was happy to update Councillors Patel, Dingle and Haydon on any progress.

3

Councillor Lugger

Councillor Allen

At the meeting of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 5 September 2022, the Committee agreed to consult the people of Plymouth on moving elections from ‘by thirds’ to ‘all out elections’, and on 21 November 2022, he had presented a report to Council and a consultation was agreed to take place between June and August 2023. He had also chaired a group who designed the questions and consultees. What had happened to this work.

Response: She referred Councillor Lugger to her announcement earlier in the meeting regarding the electoral review.

Supplementary: Had it been an attempt to delay and stall the consultation?

Response: No.

4

Councillor Stoneman

Councillor Briars-Delve

Did Councillor Briars-Delve agree that residents shouldn’t be forced to walk on the road instead of the pavement?

Response: He fully supported and encouraged active travel, including walking, so he welcomed that point of view.

Supplementary: What was Councillor Briars-Delve doing to instruct teams to clear vegetation from pavements across the city, following him and several colleagues sending in many examples where vegetation had forced residents to walk in the road?

Response: Casework on the issue was ongoing. There was going to be a proactive winter vegetation cut back starting in November 2023. It was important to get the timeline right to ensure that teams were managing priorities across the city.

5

Councillor Dr Mahony

Councillor Coker

A number of his residents had enquired about what was happening at the North Road East Junction, as it had been remodelled, but following completion of works, it seemed not much had been done, other than a new left turn. Did Councillor Coker think that the delays, congestion and inconvenience had been worth it?

Response: No one had expressed that opinion to him yet. He would be happy to discuss the matter in issue with officers and other ward councillor to get constructive feedback on the operation.

Supplementary: What was the cost of the project? Was it value for money?

Response: He did not have the information to hand but would provide the cost when they met to discuss the scheme.

6

Councillor Wakeham

Councillor Briars-Delve

On 16 July, he had emailed Councillor Briars-Delve regarding rubbish in Thurlstone Walk and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.