From

To

Subject

1

Councillor Nicholson

Councillor Stevens

With reference to planning consents at the Royal William Yard and car parking issues at Devil’s Point, could an update be provided on the car parking strategy in relation to Devil’s Point?

Councillor Vincent responded that he would provide a written response.

2

Councillor Bowie

Councillor Williams

The Rt Hon Michael Gove (Secretary of State for Education) had made an announcement on the rewards from the provision of free school meals. What was the council’s position? This matter could be picked up as part of the ‘Narrowing the Gap’ exercise.

Councillor Williams responded that following a pilot in two areas on the provision of free school meals, it had been found that attainment had been increased and productivity had been improved. She was disappointed that the council (following a motion submitted at the time) had not taken the opportunity to be part of the pilot scheme.

3

Councillor Darcy

Councillor Lowry

Did he agree that, with the shortfalls in the budget, there was a need to ensure value for money for services, for example in planning?  Would he apologise for wasting council tax payers money by calling in a planning application to Planning Committee and not speaking to it.   

Councillor Lowry responded ‘yes’ to the first part.  He called in the planning application because he felt it was important for the Planning Committee to look at it.  He registered to speak but did not need to do so.

4

Councillor Bowyer

Councillor Williams

Was she aware of the opinion by European Union lawyers on the financial transactions tax which says that the tax was not compatible with existing laws and was discriminatory?  With reference to a previous motion approved by the council on this, would another motion be introduced? 

Councillor Williams responded that she would seek guidance from officers on the implications.

5

Councillor  Dr Mahony

Councillor Vincent

Could he be updated on the progress of the reinstatement of the football pitch following the removal of spoil associated with the Life Centre project?  

Councillor Vincent responded that the site would be levelled with topsoil to provide a football pitch and that the Friends of Central Park would be kept informed of progress.  The reinstatement was not part of the Life Centre project and he could not provide an exact date for the work at the present time. 

6

Councillor Jordan

Councillor Williams

Did she think that it was acceptable for four and five year olds to travel across the city to school? There were no reception places either in Plympton or Plymstock and was it acceptable for parents to be advised to send their children to either Wembury or a free school, with no support?

Councillor Williams responded that 80 per cent of children had received their first choice of school this year. The government had reduced funding which had limited the ability of the council to plan for places.  She was happy to look at any individual cases brought to her attention.

7

Councillor Nicholson

Councillor Vincent

How was the council moving forward on planning policy in relation to Drake’s Island? Could he be updated on any regeneration policies to secure improvements to the island? 

Councillor Vincent responded that it was a decision for the applicant and he had faith in the actions of the officers who were dealing with it.

The Lord Mayor advised the councillors to discuss this matter outside of the meeting.

8

Councillor Fry

Councillor Williams

Would she implement free school meals for every child?

Councillor Williams responded that she had no resources from government to do so. She was taking action to encourage uptake and scrutiny would examine issues such as this through the ‘Narrowing the Gap’ exercise. 

9

Councillor Mrs Beer

Councillor Evans

Why do Cabinet Members have personal assistants to support their roles when they have generous allowances to carry out their commitments?  How much did it cost?

Councillor Evans responded that the employment of executive assistants enabled Cabinet Members to undertake their role effectively, making them more accessible to the community and partners rather than dealing with administrative arrangements.  He was not prepared to discuss salaries of individuals in this forum.

10

Councillor Jordan

Councillor Williams

An impending baby boom had been known for some time by councillors.  Could she outline what action was going to be taken with regard to children suffering today who had not got places today?

Councillor Williams responded that she did not have the figures to hand. Capital provision had been made for the expansion of primary schools and she was taking every action she could. Government funding was being channelled to Free Schools.

11

Councillor Monahan

Councillor Williams

A recent statement indicated that less than half of those questioned were carrying out debrief sessions with looked after children who had run away. What percentage applied in Plymouth?

Councillor Williams responded that that debriefs were undertaken to try and identify children at risk and that she was working hard for a peninsula and national response on this. 

12

Councillor Darcy

Councillor Coker

Could he have an update on the progress of works to the junctions of Cott Hill and Merafield Road, funded by Morrisons?

Councillor Coker responded that the works at the junctions of Cott Hill / Plymouth Road and Cott Hill / Merafield Road were subject to approval by the local planning authority and that to date no plans had been received.  Ward councillors would be consulted on the proposals.

13

Councillor Jordan

Councillor Peter Smith

What was the process for the disposal of the community stage and could he explain why?

Councillor Smith responded that the disposal had been agreed under the Conservative administration of the council.

14

Councillor Foster

Councillor Vincent

What was the official policy on the number of garden waste bags that would be collected from households?

Councillor Vincent responded that the policy was two bags per household.

15

Councillor Fry

Councillor Vincent

Could he provide in writing the current position on Drake’s Island and the Oceanique building?

Councillor  Vincent undertook to provide a written response.

16

Councillor Darcy (on behalf of Councillor Ball who was absent)

Councillor Coker

Could he furnish him with the policy on the use of the CCTV camera car outside of the City Centre?

Councillor Coker undertook to provide the policy.   

17

Councillor Michael Leaves

Councillor Vincent

Would four bags of garden waste be collected from a household?

Councillor Vincent responded that he had previously raised this issue with officers and that if there was capacity was on the vehicle, all garden waste should be collected.

18

Councillor James

Councillor Vincent

Would the roadside memorial policy be brought to council and if so, when?

Councillor Vincent responded that a policy was being developed and that there would be cross party involvement.

19

Councillor Stevens

Councillor Evans

Did he recall that the Drake’s Island planning application had been unsuccessful as the applicant had not provided nature studies?  The survey could only be undertaken at a particular time of the year and was it not inappropriate for any councillor to encourage an application?

Councillor Evans responded that he recalled that advice. He would be seeking guidance from the Monitoring Officer on the actions of the Planning Committee member.