The Plymouth City Council cabinet met on 8 September 2025, and agreed to implement a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in nine council-owned car parks to address anti-social behaviour. The cabinet also discussed the Corporate Plan Monitoring Report for quarter four of 2024/25, and heard updates from the Leader of the Council and various cabinet members.

Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)

The cabinet approved the implementation of a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO Proposal report) for three years in nine council-owned car parks across Plymouth. The decision was made in response to a rise in anti-social behaviour (ASB) including public intoxication, drug use, intimidation, and misuse of stairwells, leading to safety concerns and complaints from the public and local businesses.

The PSPO aims to ensure the safe and appropriate use of car parks for visitors, workers, and shoppers. It will allow enforcement action against persistent, unreasonable, and detrimental behaviours.

The prohibitions (PSPO prohibitions) include:

• Using the car parks for purposes other than parking.
• Revving engines, rapid acceleration, performing stunts, or excessive horn use.
• Threatening, aggressive, or intimidating behaviour.
• Urinating or defecating.
• Consuming alcohol without a reasonable excuse.

The designated car parks (PSPO MAP) are:

• Regent Street Carpark
• Theatre Royal Carpark
• Western Approach Carpark
• Jennycliff Carpark
• Mayflower East Car Park
• Mountbatten Pier Carpark
• Mountbatten Castle Carpark
• Napier Street Carpark
• Colin Campbell Court Carpark

A consultation found that 94% of respondents agreed that the proposed prohibitions were fair. However, concerns were raised about the potential impact on vulnerable groups, particularly young people and street-attached individuals.

The council plans to mitigate potential negative impacts (EIA - PSPO) through:

• Trauma-informed training for officers.
• Outreach and youth engagement.
• Signposting to support services.
• Accessible information about the PSPO.
• Education-focused communications.

Corporate Plan Monitoring Report

The cabinet discussed the Corporate Plan Monitoring Report for Quarter four of 2024/25 (Corporate Plan Monitoring Report Cover Note 2024-25 Q4 Cabinet and Corporate Plan Performance Report 2025 v6). Details of the discussion were not included in the provided documents.

Leader's Announcements

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE (Leader of the Council) made several announcements, including:

• Plymouth was featured in the Financial Times for its booming university and revised defence industry.
• The Tinside Lido had a celebratory opening event after improvement works. Guests included representatives from the National Lottery, the Levelling Up Fund[^2] and Youth Investment Fund, as well as Lewis Pugh[^3]. [^2]: The Levelling Up Fund is a UK government scheme to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK. [^3]: Lewis Pugh is a British-South African endurance swimmer and ocean advocate.
• The National Marine Park annual report was published, with highlights including 970 students visiting the park, 328 volunteer hours dedicated to beach cleans, and 6 million people viewing Country File's TV episode showcasing the park.

Cabinet Member Updates

• Councillor Sally Haydon (Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Libraries, Events, Cemeteries and Crematoria) noted the first anniversary of the Plymouth Park Crematorium, the return of the British Firework Championship, the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, and the upcoming West End Carnival.
• Councillor Tom Briars-Delve (Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change) announced a DEFRA Grant funded project to plant trees in city churchyards, and the 'Wild and Well' event at Poole Farm.
• Councillor Sally Cresswell (Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships) discussed the national campaign for 'attendance' in schools, the growth of supported internships for SEND[^4] young people, and Plymouth being shortlisted for nasen Awards. [^4]: Special Educational Needs and Disability
• Councillor Jemima Laing (Deputy Leader of the Council, and Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care, Culture and Communications) congratulated care experienced young people graduating from Plymouth University, the expansion of Mockingbird constellations[^5], a meeting with Baroness Longfield[^6] to discuss the Council's work in the care sector, and the transformation of youth centres through the Youth Investment Fund. [^5]: Mockingbird is an innovative foster care model using a constellation of six to ten foster families, or 'satellite homes', clustered around a 'hub home' foster family. [^6]: Anne Longfield is the former Children's Commissioner for England.
• Councillor Sue Dann (Cabinet Member for Customer Experience, Sport, Leisure & HR, and OD) reported on attendance at Mount Wise pools and Plymouth Active Leisure centres, increased gym memberships at The Life Centre, free youth events at Tinside Lido, and the growth of football in Plymouth.
• Councillor John Stephens (Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport) announced the approval of the Manadon Interchange Scheme and the Plymouth Major Network Phase I project, the opening of the footpath on Central Park Avenue, and progress on the Royal Parade Bus Improvement Scheme.
• Councillor Mary Aspinall (Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care) discussed the 'Vaccinate Plymouth Campaign', Devonport naval base open days, and the upcoming 'Know your Numbers Week'.

LGA Update

Councillor Evans provided an update on the Local Government Association (LGA), including Councillor Louise Gittins' (LGA Chair) upcoming visit to Plymouth, the LGA's response to the new Local Government English Devolution Community Empowerment Bill, the government's Election Strategy Paper, grassroots sports funding, and research on home-school transport. He also addressed the Mayoral Referendum, highlighting intimidation and toxicity during the campaign and the need for legislative changes.