#

From

To

Subject

1

Councillor M. Smith

Councillor Dann

Could an update be provided in reference to the recent industrial action which had taken place by care workers within the City?

Response: A resolution was reached with Unite to cease the industrial action within the Independence at Home Team. The action stemmed from historical working arrangements which were stopped in May 2024. During this period of action, essential services were maintained and the Council worked with NHS and social care partners to minimise impact on the community.

2

Councillor Bannerman

Councillor Aspinall

Could an update be provided by the chair of the dental task force on local dentistry provision?

Response: The Dental Task Force were due to meet again on 07 February. The task force started with three aims. One would be coming to fruition quite soon- an announcement about the City Centre Dental Practice. In addition, more schools were getting involved with the toothbrush scheme “Open Wide, Step Inside” and more schools will be encouraged to participate. Finally, encouraging dentists into Plymouth had been challenging and was ongoing, ideally it would require government support.

3

Councillor S. Nicholson

Councillor Coker

Would Councillor Coker consider the distribution of a leaflet encouraging use of the new bus service between Plympton and Plymstock?

Response:  Yes. This would be coordinated with Councillor Lowry for distribution within Council Tax bills. In addition, leaflets and timetables indicating “use-it-or-lose-it” could be provided to local councillors, if they were to get in contact.

4

Councillor P. Nicholson

Councillor Evans OBE

Would you be prepared to meet Plympton Councillors for further discussion around the development of Langage Business Park and the inability to cope witnessed at Deep Lane Junction?

Response: This would most likely be Councillor Coker but yes.

5

Councillor Wood

Councillor Briars-Delve

Would it be agreed that it is more beneficial for wildlife for the Council to sow wildflower meadows rather than simply allowing the grass to grow unmanaged?

Response:  An additional £300,000 of funding had been requested and was received, allowing for higher quality performance in this area. “Total cuts” were increased from six in 2023. Whilst wildflower meadows were encouraged across the city, it was unrealistic to plant them in every area of Council maintained grass.

6

Councillor Noble

Councillor Lowry

Will the Single Person Council Tax Discount still apply for Plymouth Residents?

Response:  In essence, yes. There were no proposed changes. It was legislated in Westminster, not at a local level.

7

Councillor Stephens

Councillor Aspinall

What changes were recently confirmed phase two of investment for the emergency department at Derriford hospital make in respect to ambulance queuing?

Response:  Up to £500 million investment for phase two of the scheme was confirmed. The impacts were estimated to be huge. We would aspire to be hard-pressed in seeing any ambulance waiting.

8

Councillor Holloway

Councillor Evans OBE

Had any estimates been made towards costings of a proposed direct elected city mayor, including the cost of elections and mayoral office?

Response: A petition had been submitted for a directly elected mayor, however no date for the referendum was confirmed. These must be held within six months of the date of petition submission. This means that the referendum would be held independently of elections, as those were not due until April 2026. Indicative costings for an operation such as this had been estimated at £410, 000, however a subsequent election would then need to be held and that would cost a further £80,000. The total was estimated at around half a million pounds, without the staffing costs or costs of office. The costs would be drawn from services or balances, which were something at a precarious position. It was fallacious to assume the position would save the Council money.

9

Councillor Raynsford

Councillor Aspinall

What was being done to encourage residents to take part in the mass consultation on the NHS 10-year plan “Change NHS: Help Build a Health Service Fit for the Future”

Response: This was promoted through NHS websites, there were local meetings taking place and residents are encouraged to have their say. There was a meeting taking place in the Methodist Central Church on 31 January, the Communications department will be contacted to advertise this.

10

Councillor P. Nicholson

Councillor Lowry

Council Tax payment arrangements had recently changed and criticism lobbied at local government regarding some residents’ inability to pay resulting in fines and the removal of a 12 month payment scheme, creating further difficulties in paying. Would the arrangements for Plymouth be looked into?

Response: Some changes had been made a year ago and discussions of spreading costs were had. Happy to coordinate with yourself and various Scrutiny functions to enact appropriate changes.

11

Councillor Taylor

Councillor Coker

A highway fatality had occurred on Han Drive during the Christmas period. Would officers work with myself, residents and Ward Councillors to improve road safety for children travelling to and from school?

Response: The Council were aware of the tragic incident which occurred and Officers were already investigating changes made on Ham drive. In addition to suggested Councillors and Officers, Councillor Stephens, the Walking and Cycling Champion, was important to include. The onus was on everyone to keep roads safe. Any fatality on Plymouth Roads cost the Council and its partners £2.7 million, however protecting life was far more valuable than monetary cost. Of course, engagement would be made.

12

Councillor Poyser

Councillor Briars-Delve

Litter pickers and community groups help to “pick-up” after messes left by the Council on a daily basis. Was there anything that the Council could do to further integrate these groups?

Response: Happy to listen to any particular initiatives suggested. The recent Plymouth Plan for Nature invited over 100 community organisations to inform the process and give as many people an opportunity to reflect in how the Council look after green spaces.

13

Councillor Simpson

Councillor Cresswell

What impact would the Children’s Well-being in School Bill have on local children and families?

Response: Firstly, universal free school breakfast clubs which would be rolled out early through 750 schools on an early adopter scheme. This would provide a nourishing breakfast and healthy start to the school day. Secondly, school uniform expenses would be brought down by the introduction of a 3-piece limit on uniform.