From

To

Subject

1

Councillor Nicholson

Councillor Kate Taylor

Lessons learned from the Covid pandemic to improve healthcare provision in the city moving forward.

Response: Conversations were being had, with regards to lessons learned, as part of the Reset agenda. It was highlighted that we were not through the pandemic and needed to strike a delicate balance with what happens next and what was still ongoing. The importance of the Caring for Plymouth Programme and strong partnership working was emphasised.

2

Councillor Buchan

Councillor Kate Taylor

Guidance on those shielding from Covid 19

Response: The huge sacrifices of those shielding (in terms of their wellbeing, mental health and finances) was recognised. The Cabinet Member had recently written to Matt Hancock asking him to issue urgent guidance to give clarity to those affected, as well as the Local Authority in their supportive role.  

3

Councillor Goslin

Councillor Coker

Improvements in cycling provision in the city.

Response: The Council had applied for a £249,000 grant from Government in order to help with cycling provision however had not yet heard if they had been successful. There was approximately £5.1m in the budget to deliver further 126km of new and improved traffic free facilities on the cycle network, paths and green spaces, building on the £9.5m already invested in walking and cycling infrastructure in the city.

4

Councillor Drean

Councillor Coker

Transforming City’s Future Bid.

Response: The Council had applied for several bids including the Transforming City’s Future Bid however had not yet heard if they had been successful – an announcement was expected and this would be shared with all members.

Councillor Mrs Bridgeman

Councillor Dann

Reconsideration of motion to extend garden waste collection to November – this had been done – thanks offered.

Response: No response required.

6

Councillor Mrs Beer

Councillor Dann

Grass cutting and vegetation growing over signs on the highway.

Response: Grass cutting in the city had started up again – this had been affected by the low numbers of staff members during the pandemic. A decision was made to prioritise domestic waste collection however certain initiatives like ‘No Mow May’ were encouraging wild flower growth and biodiversity as a result of letting the grass grow. The Highways Team checked the vegetation growing on signs on a regular basis and members were encouraged to contact the team to report problems to avoid health and safety issues. The Council had reduced staffing in March, April and May as a result of the pandemic therefore the Council was now in a position of playing catch up.

7

Councillor Ian Bowyer

Councillor Pete Smith

Manadon Sports Centre – boundary extension.

Response: The Deputy Leader was aware of the boundary extension and action had been taken to rectify the situation. He would advise Councillor Ian Bowyer of progress and when the walkway would be reinstated.

8

Councillor Kelly

Councillor Coker

Disabled parking on the Hoe.

Response: The disabled parking on the main parade ground of the Hoe had been restricted during the ongoing pandemic due to the closed toilet facilities. Consultation had taken place with various groups as well as the nearby café. The Cabinet Member had opened up Jennycliff carpark and Devil’s Point in order for members of the public to have access. He would liaise with Councillor Lowry to assess when the toilet facilities on the Hoe would be open to the public and would confirm with Councillor Kelly.

9

Councillor Sam Leaves

Councillor Penberthy

Equality Act 2010.

Response: The Cabinet Member was aware of the Equality Act 2010 and the duty on public bodies.

10

Councillor Ms Watkin

Councillor Lowry

Public Conveniences.

Response: The Council’s website listed toilet provision available in the city; nine disabled toilets had remained open during the pandemic and a further eight toilets had opened recently all complying with social distancing rules. Toilets would be open as soon as was practicable.

11

Churchill

Coker

Connection of the Plymouth to South Hams cycle network.

Response: Work was ongoing with regards to the connection of the Plymouth to South Hams cycle network; this was a joint collaboration between Plymouth Devon and Sustrans.

12

Councillor Mrs Johnston

Councillor Lowry

Budget 202 - required to be revisited as a result of the impact of the pandemic?

Response: It was expected that a revised budget would be submitted to Cabinet in August – the Cabinet Member and officers were currently assessing the impact of Covid 19 and were hopeful that the Government would give local authorities additional funding.

13

Councillor Stevens

Councillor Pete Smith

Details of Full Council debates between 2007 - 2012, and 2016 - 2018 where debate was cut short by the Conservative administration of the day.

Response: This information would be provided and would also be sent to Councillor Deacon.

14

Councillor Mrs Aspinall

Councillor Lowry

The importance of social distancing and protection of the vulnerable.

Response: The Council would continue to inform members of the public of the requirement to socially distance. As Champion for the City Centre he would continue to cater for all users as well as the disabled community ensuring the city centre was a welcoming and safe environment.  

15

Councillor Neil

Councillor Kate Taylor

Impact of the pandemic on care homes and steps to keep residents safe.

Response: The Council was working on the assumption of a second spike of the virus in order to forward plan. Care Homes had been focused upon as this was where the majority of highly vulnerable residents were. Testing for Covid 19 as well as the provision of PPE, and work to prevent cross contamination was ongoing. 

16

Councillor Mrs Beer

Councillor Pete Smith

Plympton Library Service.

Response: Plympton Library Service was not included in the libraries announcement as the Council currently didn’t have the staff available to run it. Libraries were running on a limited service – a click and collect service was being offered and books would be required to be quarantined once returned before being reissued. The situation would be reviewed as the rules were relaxed by the Government.

17

Councillor Kelly

Councillor Dann

Review of siting and suitability of recycling bins.

Response:  The Cabinet Member was aware of the siting of two new recycling bins near the Crown and Anchor Pub on the Barbican – the council had issued an apology and confirmed that the bins would be moved – the siting of other recycling bins would be checked to ensure they were in the best position. The summer service had already started a month early however Members of the public were encouraged to be responsible with the disposal of their waste and recycle.

18

Councillor Sam Leaves

The Leader

Equality Legislation – Children and Young People with a statement that were currently home schooled.

Response: It was highlighted that there was a difference between a decision which was not liked and one which was not appropriate. Issues should be formally written and sent to the Leader with evidence in order for him to assess the situation and move forward. The Cabinet Member would be contacted in order to provide a response regarding the number of children and young people with a statement of special education needs that were currently home schooled during the pandemic.