To consider motions from councillors in accordance with paragraph 13 of the Constitution.

• Building Schools for the Future
• Leisure Passes for children and young people in care
• Consultation Programme on changes to service delivery

In accordance with the Rules of Procedure, the following motion (No 4 10/11) was moved by Councillor Wildy and seconded by Councillor Evans –

            ‘Council notes the Government’s withdrawal of the above programme.

1.                  Council further notes that at present there are no plans regarding the rebuilding of Stoke Damerel Community College;

2.                  the provision designated for refurbishment at Lipson Community College and the ICT suite for Woodview Learning Campus has been cancelled;

3.                  All Saints Academy and Marine Academy Plymouth are designated as ‘to be discussed’, presumably with Department for Education and Sponsors;

           Students, parents, teachers and their communities have been left uncertain about the prospect for building programmes at all these schools.

           In view of the above, Council resolves:-

1.                  to ask our Members of Parliament; Gary Streeter MP,  Alison Seabeck MP and Oliver Colvile MP to lead a cross party delegation including City Councillors to meet with the Secretary of State at the earliest opportunity to ensure Plymouth’s case receives proper consideration;

2.                  to campaign vigorously for the above schools to receive the funding previously allocated to enable them to provide high quality learning environments for our young people;

3.                  to involve all our partners, including the Academy Sponsors;  Faith Groups; Children’s Trust; Local Strategic Partnership, Chamber of Commerce, the Plymouth Herald to gather City-wide support for this  campaign.’

The following amendment was moved by Councillor Mrs Watkins -

‘In the first number ‘3’ delete the words – ‘are designated as ‘to be discussed’, presumably’ and insert –

‘and this Council is currently in discussion’ 

Delete the paragraph starting ‘Students, parents, teachers …..’  and insert -

‘We recognise that there are students, parents and teachers who are disappointed at the Government’s decision.

It is noted however, that although Government has cancelled the BSF Programme for those schemes which had not already reached the stage of financial closure, the new Minister has stated that the Schools Building Programme is currently under review and that new proposals will be brought forward in due course.’

Delete the proposed resolution 1 and insert –

‘1.        to continue working with elected MPs to ensure Plymouth’s           case receives proper consideration.’

In resolution 2, delete the words ‘To campaign vigorously for the above schools to receive’ and insert - 

‘Working with all key partners to follow all appropriate channels in our efforts to ensure that’

Substitute ‘it’ for ‘them’ after ‘enable’ and add the words ‘is secured’ at the end of the resolution. 

So that the amended motion reads -  

Council notes the Government’s withdrawal of the above programme.

1.                  Council further notes that at present there are no plans regarding the rebuilding of Stoke Damerel Community College;

2.                  the provision designated for refurbishment at Lipson Community College and the ICT suite for Woodview Learning Campus has been cancelled;

3.                  All Saints Academy and Marine Academy Plymouth and this Council is currently in discussion with Department for Education and Sponsors.

      We recognise that there are students, parents and teachers who are disappointed at the Government’s decision.

         It is noted that although Government has cancelled the BSF Programme for those schemes which had not already reached the stage of financial closure, the new Minister has stated that the Schools Building Programme is currently under review and that new proposals will be brought forward in due course. 

         In view of the above, Council resolves:-

1.         to continue working with elected MPs to ensure Plymouth’s case receives proper consideration.

2.         working with all key partners to follow all appropriate channels in our efforts to ensure that the funding previously allocated to enable it to provide high quality learning environments for our young people is secured.’

The amendment was seconded by Councillor Bowyer.

The validity of the amendment was challenged and the Assistant Director for Democracy and Governance confirmed that the amendment was in order.

Following a vote, the amendment was declared carried.

During the debate, the Leader raised the issue of councilors texting on mobile phones and the Lord Mayor advised that the matter would be pursued in the review of the constitution.

Before the vote was taken on the substantive motion, Councillor Wildy was invited to sum up.

The vote was taken and the motion, as amended, was declared carried.

(Councillors Mrs Bragg, Stark, Wildy and Williams declared a personal interest in the above item)