The following question was submitted by Mr Alan Ramage and answered by Councillor Nick Kelly (Leader of the Council).

Question: "Investing to Save the Planet" by Alice Ross of the Financial Times explains how investing in "best in class" companies transitioning to a low carbon future and researching into low carbon solutions enables our money to make a difference. Will PCC ask its pensions fund managers to do this?

Answer: Plymouth City Council is a member of the Devon Pension Fund. This is not the Plymouth City Council pension fund and as such Plymouth City Council are reliant upon Devon County Council to set their strategic decisions as we have no direct control over the fund or its administration. However, the Devon Pension Fund (DPF) has pledged its portfolio of investments will be net zero by 2050 at the latest.  The funds investments in companies classed as carbon intensive have fallen significantly over the last few years. When last measured in December 2019 it showed a 21.5% reduction when compared to 9 months previously. In the short term the fund has committed to invest £200 million into renewable energy infrastructure funds by the Brunel pension partnership. The DPF work with the Brunel Pension partnership will decarbonise all it’s current investments at a rate of 7% a year and to increase investments into carbon solutions.

The DPF committed to not only reducing the carbon footprint of current investments but to ensure that in the long term investments are carbon neutral.

The following question was submitted by Mrs Sonia Hosking and answered by Councillor Nick Kelly (Leader of the Council).

Question: In light of the growing antisocial behaviour in Southway and particularly the recent constant vandalism to the fence on bond Street field, do the council have any intention or budget for considering CCTV for the safety and well-being of the residents and be a deterrent for the offenders?

Answer: Plymouth City Council remains committed to addressing matters relating to anti-social or criminal behaviour to minimise the impact this has on communities and victims.

Since being made aware of the emerging issues in Southway, Plymouth City Council have been working in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police to develop an intelligence picture in the area to consider the tactical deployment of resources.

Reviewing information, we are currently not able to substantiate the deployment of a rapid CCTV solutions, however this information will continue to be reviewed by the multi-agency arrangements set up.

The partnership approach has resulted in the implementation of a localised problem-solving plan with the Community Connections Community Youth Pop Up team, carrying out 'feet on the street' patrols, engaging with those identified in order to direct them into alternative activities and offer support where required. Further to this the local policing team will be carrying out increased patrols throughout the area to develop intelligence, provide immediate interventions where required, engage with those concerned and offer reassurance to local residents.

Information collected during this response will be shared and reviewed by Plymouth City Council's Community Safety Team, and the Child Centred Policing team, both of whom specialise in interventions to limit risk. They also provide support and instigate enforcement activity where necessary and proportionate. As information is developed, further consideration to the deployment of rapid CCTV solutions will be given.

As part of the Councils long-term approach, services are working together and with key partners for the planning, scope and design of CCTV solutions within the city. This work seeks to optimise coverage within the city and ensure that known trouble spots have sufficient coverage. This will include updating some of the current analogue cameras to digital cameras and filling identified gaps with rapid deployment options.