To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 18 March 2019, 26 March 2019 and 17 May 2019.

The minutes of the meetings held on 18 March 2019, the Extraordinary General Meeting on the 26 March 2019 and the Annual General Meeting on 17 May 2019 were agreed as a true and accurate record.  

8.             Declarations of Interest 

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 Democratic Support.  

The following changes to the appointments to Committees or Outside Bodies were noted:

·         Plymouth Energy Community Limited will now operates as Plymouth Energy Community Trust following a change in governance structure. Council noted the appointment of Councillor Buchan as a Director of the Trust.

·         Councillor Churchill replaces Councillor Drean as the Vice-Chair of the Brexit, Infrastructure and Legislative Change Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

·         Councillor Loverage replaces Councillor Mrs Beer on the Corporate Parenting Group.

(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.

10.          Announcements 

The Lord Mayor made the following announcements:

·        Congratulations were offered to the seven Plymothians who were announced in the Queen’s birthday honours;

·        The Oceansgate project has won a prestigious South West region award for regeneration from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. The project will now be put forward to the national finals in November;

·        The Council won the Client of the Year Award and the Image of Construction Award for Building Plymouth at the South West Built Environment Awards;

·        The Royal Town Planning Institute’s Silver Jubilee Cup was awarded to the City Planning Team for the City Change Fund initiative. This is the highest accolade in the planning profession and the third time that the Council has won this award;

·        The efforts of Pete Curgenven, School Crossing Patroller and Manadon Vale Primary who put himself at risk to protect children crossing the road were commended.

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

·        An update was provided on Barden with the securing of 400 jobs, following the purchase by HQW who have a vision to significantly grow the business in Plymouth;

·        The Barcode development at Bretonside is now 70 per cent let with many new restaurants and leisure opportunities. The planning application for Old Town Street has been submitted and this is important in linking the Bretonside Development to the City Centre. This is a £10m public realm investment;

·        A bid has been made to the Government’s High Street Fund of £25m to support the development of Colin Campbell Court and the Dingles building;

·        The £50m scheme at Derry’s is on track to have a 110 bedroom city centre hotel;

·        The Plymouth Railway Station project continues and a new concourse design will be completed shortly. The University will repurpose Intercity House to a new Medical and Dental School;

·        Prestigious events such as the Fastnet Race have been secured for the city and should be maximised;

·        Smart Sound has been launched – a proving area for the design, testing and development of cutting edge products and services for the marine sector; and

·        Consultants have been engaged on a new plan for live music in the City in conjunction with the Music Venue Trust – ‘Fighback Plymouth’ will celebrate Plymouth’s grassroots music venues.

The Deputy Leader, Councillor Smith made the following announcements:

·        All Councillors have received a briefing relating to student registration at the elections held in May 2019. In summary, clarification has been received from the Electoral Commission which highlighted a procedural error which has now been corrected. It was confirmed that no individual that was ineligible to vote was able to do so.

·        Work starts on the Elizabethan House to restore this historic building in Plymouth. The current work will see the building fully restored and repaired over 12 months to be reopened in 2020 as part of the Mayflower celebrations;

·        Plymouth City Council has secured £605,000 from the Department for Education to coordinate a city wide holiday activity and food  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

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 were no questions from members of the public.

12.          Report from the Independent Remuneration Panel 

Councillor Pete Smith introduced the report from the Independent Remuneration Panel. This was seconded by the Leader, Councillor Evans OBE.

Following a debate, Council approved the recommendations as set out in the report to:

1.           Make no changes to the level of Special Responsibility Allowances or the Lord Mayor’s and Deputy Lord Mayor’s personal allowances. Reason: there was no significant evidence to justify a change in allowances:

2.           Ask the Independent Remuneration Panel to convene in summer 2020 (no later than the end of August) to conduct a full review of member allowances. Reason: to ensure a comprehensive review of allowances.

For the motion (31)

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

Abstentions (24)

Councillors Mrs Beer, Bowyer, Mrs Bowyer, Mrs Bridgeman, Carson, Churchill, Cook, Darcy, Deacon, Downie, Drean, James, Mrs Johnson, Jordan, Kelly, Leaves, Mrs Leaves, Loveridge, Nicholson, Mrs Pengelly, Riley, Rebecca Smith, Watkin and Wigens

Absent/Did Not Vote (2)

Councillors Davey and Ball (Lord Mayor)

14.          Veterans 

Councillor Jordan moved the Motion on Notice in relation to Veterans. This was seconded by Councillor Rebecca Smith.

An amendment to the Motion was moved by Councillor Derrick and this was seconded by Councillor Murphy.

The amendment proposed was as follows:

SUPPORT FOR ARMED FORCES VETERANS

As a city with strong military links, this Council welcomes the Government commitment for legislation designed to ensure service personnel and veterans are not subjected to repeated investigations on historical operations, many years after the events in question and applaud the hard work that our local MPs Johnny Mercer and Luke Pollard who in their different ways have helped has done in bringing this about. But like Johnny Mercer MP we are disappointed that this legislation will not include Norther Ireland.

This Council believes that those that served in Northern Ireland should also be included in the legislation, especially in light of the fact that over 200 members of the terrorist organisation the IRA received letters known as ‘comfort letters’, which exempted them from prosecution for their part in the troubles in Northern Ireland. that there is much more to be done in making adequate provision for veterans on a wide range of concerns relating to their former service, and that any additional support and protection should apply irrespective of where and when any veteran has served. We strongly support the views of many veterans of service in Northern Ireland during the “Troubles”, that they are not getting adequate support from the government. We also recognise that the important outcomes of the Good Friday Agreement are under threat currently and that there are increasing tensions in Northern Ireland across both nationalist and loyalist communities.

We are proud that members of our Armed Forces serve the United Kingdom, often in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances, and we know that our Armed Forces personnel having been trained to the highest professional standards, recognise their duty to operate within the law and accept that if allegations of misconduct arise, they must be properly investigated to establish whether a prosecution is necessary.

The Council notes that the government’s current intention is not to extend the provisions of the new legislation that will protect service personnel from repeated investigations to including matters of operational service in Northern Ireland, but believes strongly that our veterans deserve better.

Therefore, the The City Council therefore resolves to ask the Chief Executive (or Leader) to write to the new Prime Minister calling on them to end the witch hunt of former service personnel who served in Northern Ireland.

That the Leader of the Council should write to our MPs calling on them to continue their efforts to ensure that Armed Forces veterans are supported fully in respect of their needs post-service. Additionally, in order that the government can further consider the extension of additional protections to include service in Northern Ireland, to ask our MPs to ensure that a clear understanding is established in Parliament of the need for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

15.          Opposition to the Scrapping of Free TV Licences for Over-75s 

Councillor Kate Taylor introduced the Motion on the opposition of the scrapping of free TV licenses for over 75’s. This was seconded by Councillor Mrs Aspinall.

Following a debate, Council resolved to:

1.           Ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Government to ask them to reaffirm their commitment to their own manifesto promise to protect free TV licences for over 75s until 2022.

2.           Ask the Leader of the Council to write to the three Plymouth MPs to ask them to confirm their commitment to this important measure in tackling loneliness amongst older citizens in Plymouth.

For the motion (54)

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

Absent/Did Not Vote (3)

Councillors Davey, Ball (Lord Mayor) and Wigens

16.          Food Justice 

Councillor Penberthy moved the motion on Food Justice. This was seconded by Councillor Allen.

Following a debate, Council resolved to:

1.    Commit to food justice in Plymouth by nominating a Cabinet Member with responsibility of delivering food justice;

2.    Request the Leader to write to the relevant minister (following the appointment of a new Prime Minister and any related Cabinet reshuffle) to ask the government to enshrine its existing commitment to U Sustainable Development Goal 2 into domestic legislation;

3.    Ask the Scrutiny Management Board to establish a Select Committee to investigate the extent and causes of hunger in Plymouth and make recommendations about what can be done to tackle it; and

4.    Work with existing partnerships in Plymouth to develop and implement a Food Justice Action Plan to eliminate hunger in Plymouth.

For the motion (31)

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

Abstentions (23)

Councillors Mrs Beer, Bowyer, Mrs Bowyer, Mrs Bridgeman, Carson, Churchill, Cook, Darcy, Deacon, Downie, Drean, Mrs Johnson, James, Jordan, Kelly, Michael Leaves, Mrs Leaves, Mrs Loveridge, Cllr Nicholson, Mrs Pengelly, Rebecca Smith, Riley and Watkin

Absent/Did Not Vote (3)

Councillors Davey, Ball (Lord Mayor) and Wigens

17.          Inclusive Education and Schools 

Councillor Stevens introduced the motion on inclusive education and schools. This was seconded by Councillor Allen.

An amendment to the motion was proposed by Councillor Jon Taylor, this was seconded by Councillor Mrs Johnson.

The amendment proposed the following additions:

·                Issuing advice formulated in accordance with DfE and OFSTED guidance to schools to empower them to teach an inclusive curriculum and develop a whole school approach to embed equality;

·                Promoting school Diversity Week (1-5th July) and encouraging Plymouth schools to participate;

Following a debate, the amendment was accepted.

For (54)

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

Absent/Did Not Vote (3)

Councillors Davey, Ball (Lord Mayor) and Wigens

Following a further debate, Council then voted on the substantive motion and resolved to:

Request the Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Transformation to commit to supporting Plymouth schools which undertake this necessary part of preparing young people for the world around them and which don’t give in to bigotry of any kind by:

·           Issuing advice formulated in accordance with DfE[1] and OFSTED guidance to schools to empower them to teach an inclusive curriculum and develop a whole school approach to embed equality;

·           Promoting school Diversity Week (1-5th July) and encouraging Plymouth schools to participate;

·           Work with schools and other stakeholders to support and share good practice in promoting and delivering inclusive equality education in all schools;

·           Support all those who work with children and young people to carry out their work free from discrimination and harassment.

For (54)

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

Absent/Did Not Vote (3)

Councillors Davey, Ball (Lord Mayor) and Wigens

18.          South West Forensics 

Councillor Evans (OBE) introduced the motion on South West Forensics. This was seconded by Councillor Derrick.

Following a short debate, Council resolved to:

1.           Ask our representatives on the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel to review the situation and ensure this topic is scrutinised, with the results reported back.

For (51)

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

Absent/Did Not Vote (6)

Councillors Davey, Stephens, Darcy, Ball (Lord Mayor), Mrs Pengelly, Wigens

Councillor Coker gave an update on urgent key decisions taken since the last meeting. The update was seconded by Councillor Lowry.

The funding for Tranche 1 of the Transforming Cities Fund needed to be spent within this financial year (2019/20) and spend could not occur before a formal decision was made. The funding was time critical and projects were at an impasse until a formal decision was made. The programme was deemed low risk, only £57,765 of S106/PCC funding will be added to the capital programme compared with the £7,594,850 external award. A decision could not have been taken any earlier as the announcement was just before the pre-election period.

Council noted the urgent key decision taken by the Leader in line with due process and published on 13 June 2019.

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.