Councillor Laing (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children Social Care, Culture and Communications) provided the following updates:

 

a) An “adventures away from home” experience during the February 2026 half term involving nine children in care, children living with kinship carers and the birth children of foster carers, delivered at Dartmoor Zoo in partnership with UK Youth;

 

 

i) The programme enabling young people to build confidence, resilience, social skills and wellbeing through outdoor learning, including unique hands-on experiences caring for animals and learning about conservation;

 

 

ii) A further day being offered to allow more children to benefit from the experience, with thanks expressed to Dartmoor Zoo and UK Youth for their support;

 

 

b) Downham House, the Council owned home for children with disabilities, receiving an unannounced Ofsted inspection at the end of January 2026and being judged Good in all areas;

 

 

c) Inspectors praising warm relationships, sensitive and individualised care, strong understanding of children’s vulnerabilities and communication needs, and dedicated leadership;

 

 

d) Minor development actions identified by Ofsted already being addressed, with the team recognised for their continued high standards of care;

 

 

e) Progress on the Community Youth Service transformation programme;

 

 

i) Following investment of over £1.8 million from the Youth Investment Fund and the Climate Emergency Impact Fund;

 

ii) Extensive refurbishment works nearing completion at Efford and Honicknowle Youth Centres, modernising 1960s buildings to create energy efficient, safe and inclusive spaces;

 

iii) Design priorities being shaped by consultation with 341 young people, identifying mental health support spaces, high-speed WiFi and kitchen facilities as key features;

 

iv) A phased reopening programme underway, including soft launches and live testing with young people, with full opening anticipated by April 2026;

 

v) Recognition of staff excellence, including the National Youth Agency awarding the team an “Excellent” rating across governance, leadership and youth work practice;

 

 

f) Announcement of the youth service rebrand to “Cosmo – the space to be you”, a name chosen by young people to reflect empowerment and inclusion;

 

 

g) Reflection on International Women’s Day, recognising the contribution of women across the Council, the city and wider society, and the importance of continued progress towards equality;

 

 

h) Pride expressed in serving within a gender balanced Cabinet, with reference to the continued need to challenge barriers to women’s representation in leadership;

 

 

i) An update on The Box, confirming over 300,000 visitors had been welcomed during the current financial year, exceeding the previous year’s total footfall;

 

 

j) Continued success of the Beryl Cookexhibition, driving strong visitor numbers and national interest;

 

 

Recognition of The Box’s growing role as a cultural, educational and community hub, contributing to Plymouth’s reputation and economy.

 

Councillor Penberthy (Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities) provided the following updates:

 

 

k) Recognition of Empty Homes Week, highlighting the role of the Council’s Empty Homes Team in increasing housing supply and supporting climate objectives through sustainable reuse of properties;

 

 

l) Progress through the Repair and Rent Scheme, working with Plymouth Homes Let and Community Connections to renovate empty homes and provide affordable housing for homeless families;

 

 

m) Completion of a three bedroom property in Peverell, with a family having moved in, and further work underway on a second property in Milehouse;

 

 

n) Ongoing engagement with owners of empty properties, alongside a commitment to enforcement where voluntary action was not forthcoming;

 

 

o) Two Compulsory Purchase Orders progressing on long-term empty properties causing harm to local communities, including confirmation of one order in Plymstock with possession expected by the end of March;

 

 

p) A second Compulsory Purchase Order in Tamerton Foliot nearing completion, subject to the Planning Inspector’s decision;

 

 

q) Use of Enforced Sale powers in Lipson, addressing council tax arrears, disrepair and public health issues, with proceeds enabling the property’s return to use;

 

 

r) Emphasis on empty homes as a wasted resource and encouragement for owners to engage with the Council before enforcement action became necessary;

 

 

s) An update on supported housing provision for young people;

 

i) 449 households prevented from becoming homeless since April 2025, alongside a 162% increase in temporary accommodation demand;

 

ii) Particular concern regarding 192 young people aged 18–25 in Band B on the housing register as of January;

 

iii) Progress on a major supported housing project led by YMCA Exeter in partnership with Young Devon, following a successful national funding bid;

 

iv) Development of 47 self-contained flats for young people, supported by approximately £4 million in grant funding, primarily from Homes England;

 

v) The project providing pathways from higher support settings into independent living, supported by volunteering, training, education and employment opportunities;

 

 

t) YMCA Exeter managing the housing provision and Young Devon delivering daily wraparound support through youth coaches;

 

 

u) Formal opening of Rakewater Place imminent, with residents due to begin moving in later in the month;

 

 

v) An appeal to local businesses and philanthropic individuals to support the furnishing of the 47 flats, helping young people, including care experienced young people, establish stable homes;

 

 

w) Thanks expressed to partner organisations and Council officers involved in bringing the project to fruition.