Councillor Nick Kelly (Leader of the Council) advised that Tracey Lee (Chief Executive) and Craig McArdle (Strategic Director for People) would provide an update to the Council’s response and recovery progress, in relation to the tragic events that happened in Keyham a few weeks ago.

This was the Council’s first formal Cabinet meeting since those events which rocked us all as a City.  The Leader wished to formally thank all of the first responders who bravely ran to the aid of the people in Keyham, it was during an incident like this that truly showed the care and dedication they exuded.

The Leader also thanked all Council staff that had worked tirelessly to help and support the families and residents in the aftermath, as well as all of the community groups, local Councillors and MPs.  He had been so impressed with how everyone had come together in such a remarkable way. A formal minute’s silence had been held outside of the Guildhall and a Memorial Service for those who lost their lives.

He understood that the funerals were now taking place and he would like everyone to join him in a minute’s silence to remember Lee and Sophie Martyn, Maxine Davison, Stephen Washington and Kate Shepherd.

A minute’s silence took place.

Tracey Lee (Chief Executive) advised the Devon and Cornwall constabulary had led the response phase, but that the council acted alongside emergency services. The Council had provided support to individuals and the community and provided community reassurance through a co-ordinated message to stakeholders, to those affected, to the community, to the wider city, to the nation and further. The Council had prepared to initiate the multi-agency recovery phase to show how the city would come together through its visible and strong leadership participation across the city. Teams had been mobilised instantly after the tragic events and community hubs had been set up early the next morning and outreach working started to provide community reassurance and ensure those that needed support were reached.

The city had been in mourning for a week, the civic response had been important to show deeply it affected us and we had set up a book of condolences, safeguarded our tributes and flowers, the national minutes silence and the church service.

Tracey Lee thanked the emergency services for their response to the tragedy and also thanked Council staff for their quality and compassionate response.

The impact of these events will be felt for some time and in line with emergency planning protocols the local authority picks up the lead for multi-agency recovery.

Craig McArdle (Strategic Director for People) advised the Council had moved out of the initial response phase and had set down a Multi-agency approach to recovery which included the Police, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Plymouth Community Homes, Health partners, voluntary and community sector organisations and elected members. 

To take forward the recovery, Plymouth had developed an overarching strategy with the following aims:

In order to take those strategic aims forward Plymouth City Council had established a number a Strategic Board, Co-ordinating Group and four cells:

The initial recovery phase had been focussed on the first four week following the tragedy and the Council would be review setting down medium term actions over the following three months.  Initial areas of focus had been:

Craig McArdle thanked partners, communities, elected members and staff for their response to these events.

Councillor Mrs Vivien Pengelly and Councillor Riley expressed their thanks to staff, elected members, emergency services and the community for their response. 

Councillor Nicholson questioned how long it would be to hear back from government in relation to the funding. Tracey Lee advised that the indication had been within the next two weeks.