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

a)    The third Mockingbird constellation had been launched, the first in Cornwall, supporting foster carers of Plymouth children living across the border. The constellation model comprised a central hub home and satellite homes, enabling foster families to provide mutual support. The constellations now supported 25 households and over 40 children, including six kinship households;

b)    The fifth birthday of The Box had been celebrated with over 1,700 attendees, marking the highest Saturday attendance since the launch of Super Saturdays. Councillor Laing expressed her appreciation for the staff and volunteers who had created a welcoming and safe space for visitors;

c)    The Forbidden Territories exhibition had concluded, and preparations were underway for the upcoming Remember, Respond, Resist exhibition, part of the UK–Poland Season 2025. The exhibition would feature work from 20 internationally renowned artists, including Grayson Perry and would open in October.

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

a)    The Leader and Councillor Penberthy had visited the Clarion Barne Barton regeneration development, where residents had begun moving into newly built homes. Positive feedback had been received from residents, including reports of reduced fuel bills, improved living conditions and enhanced community cohesion. A veteran involved in the self-build programme had gained skills and was pursuing a management apprenticeship, with employment offers from both Clarion and Lovell;

b)    Restoration work had commenced on the Grade II listed Prince Christian Victor Memorial. The monument commemorated Queen Victoria’s grandson and soldiers who had died during the Second Boer War. Bronze panels were being stripped, cleaned and treated following advice from a historic consultant. Plymouth City Council were aware of the diverse views regarding Empire and Colonialism, and worked to ensure Plymouth’s history was acknowledged, remembered and learnt from. More information regarding the monument was available on the Box’s website;

c)    Stabilisation work had begun on the eastern arm of West Hoe Pier. The initial phase included repointing walls and constructing concrete bands, with a second more extensive phase planned for spring 2026 following the winter storm season. Extensive surveys were being undertaken of all waterfront assets and further investment work would follow;

d)    The ‘loss of public open space’ process for Pounds House had concluded and would soon progress to disposal. The evaluation of bids for Merchant’s House was also nearing completion. Councillor Penberthy emphasised the need to balance investment in heritage assets with the financial implications of holding vacant buildings;

e)    £160,000 had been allocated from the Household Support Fund to support grassroots organisations in opening welcoming spaces during the winter, an increase of £60,000 from the previous year. Grants ranging from £2,100 to £5,350 were available, with applications due by 26 September. Councillor Penberthy highlighted the importance of community-led innovation and the impact of such spaces on residents. Community groups had been informed of the funding opportunity via mailing lists, social media, and the Council’s newsroom.

Councillor John Stephens (Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport) provided the following updates:

a)    Extreme rainfall on 28–29 August had resulted in significant flooding across the city. The Met Office had recorded 56mm of rain in three hours, including 42.3mm in a single hour. This had represented over 70% of the monthly average rainfall for August, experienced in just four hours. The impact of the rainfall had been devastating for a number of homes and businesses across the city, and Plymouth City Council (PCC) were supporting residents wherever possible;

b)    The Council’s highways team had inspected 12,900 gullies and emptied 8,840 over the past year. Known hotspots had been attended to prior to the rainfall;

c)    Over the course of 72 hours, the Council had received 311 reports of flooding and blocked drains, including 115 reports of flooded properties. Emergency teams had responded to 61 out-of-hours callouts, and teams across the Council had worked to reinstate blown manhole covers and remove fallen trees. Thanks were given to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Highways teams and Ward Councillors who had supported the response;

d)    The Council were working with partners on flood alleviation projects across the city, including:

                      I.        Trefusis Park flood relief scheme – completion expected April 2026

                    II.        Western Mill village property flood protection project – installation in October 2025

                   III.        St. Levan flood relief project – consultation scheduled for October–November 2025

                   IV.        Stonehouse tidal flood study – completion expected November 2025

                    V.        Arnold’s Point tidal flood alleviation scheme – construction to begin Spring 2026

e)    While gullies and surface drains were the responsibility of the local Council, underground drains were the responsibility of South West Water. Many of these drains lacked the ability to process such a high volume of water, and challenging conversations were required to ensure resilience given the impact of climate change.

Councillor Sally Haydon (Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Libraries, Events, Cemeteries and Crematoria) provided the following updates:

a)    Plympton Library had reopened on Wednesdays through a partnership with Santander. Over a three-week period, the library had welcomed 400 visitors on Wednesdays, with 142 accessing banking services and 13 joining as new library members;

b)    SeaFest had been scheduled for 13–14 September, celebrating Plymouth’s maritime heritage. Activities would include swimming, scuba diving, paddleboarding, cooking demonstrations, outdoor cinema and children’s theatre. A large inflatable whale would also be featured;

c)    The Red Bull ‘Up the Mast’ event had been confirmed for 27 September at Sutton Harbour. The event involved participants running along a greasy mast to secure a flag. The event had received 60 million views on TikTok and 3.5 million on Instagram, and had reached full capacity within 24 hours of opening.

Councillor Mary Aspinall (Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care)
provided the following updates:

a)    Construction at Meadow View had progressed, with foundations and walls now visible. A time-lapse video had been produced to document the development;

b)    A topping-out ceremony for the Community Diagnostic Centre had been scheduled for 17 September;

c)    The Urgent Treatment Centre at Derriford Hospital had opened and received positive feedback from residents. One minor issue had been identified and would be raised with NHS colleagues;

d)    A resident had complimented the newly introduced buses, noting the improved accessibility for wheelchair users.