Monday's full council meeting is shaping up to be another dramatic occasion. The agenda includes a range of motions including the two-child benefit cap and parking restrictions.
South Hams takeover - and a notable absence
The headline is Cllr Tudor Evans' South Hams land grab, which would see Plymouth City Council take over thirteen parishes from South Hams District Council. This extends beyond Ivybridge as far as Ugborough - meaning that the council area would roughly triple in size.
However, Cllr Evans will be absent from the meeting due to a recent hospitalisation. In a statement released by Plymouth City Council, Cllr Evans said:
"It’s unfortunate to be unwell at such an important time for the Council, but I’m in good hands and focusing on getting better. I want to thank the incredible NHS staff who have been looking after me with such professionalism and kindness. I’m very grateful for all the support I’ve received and I’m looking forward to returning once I’m fully recovered."
Cllr Jemima Laing will be deputising for Cllr Evans and introducing the report instead.
Enforcement action: Conservatives call for crack down on illegal school parking
Illegal parking on School Keep Clear markings and double yellow lines during peak drop-off and collection times proves a nightmare for children and parents. Yet Plymouth City Council is sending out parking enforcement teams in the middle of the night - rather than protecting children from dangerous parking.
This well-timed motion proposes a major increase in enforcement against dangerous parking near schools, citing concerns over safety, congestion, and access for emergency vehicles. The motion calls for more active enforcement, particularly in the worst affected locations.
The motion has been proposed by Conservative Cllr Chris Wood (Eggbuckland) and seconded by Conservative group leader Cllr Andy Lugger (Southway).
Political showdown: Independents call for MP's resignation
The most fiery motion calls for Rebecca Smith to immediately step down from her Ward Councillor role following her election to parliament last year. The motion is proposed by Councillor Terri Beer (Plympton Erle) and Councillor Maddi Bridgeman (Moor View).
Rebecca faced down critics and stated she would continue as a Ward Councillor until May 2026 to avoid the cost of a by-election - in the mean time donating her councillor allowance to local charities. However, the motion cites her failure to attend three scheduled City Council meetings this municipal year, noting her only attendance was as a substitute on the Planning Committee on 26th June.
Although the motion cannot force her resignation, if passed the Council would formally invite Rebecca to resign. With the Independents and Conservatives currently tied on seven seats, there could be a lot at stake.
Labour and Conservatives unite to fight the Dental Crisis
In a move aimed at tackling the region's desperate lack of access to dental care, the Council is considering a motion to support the University of Plymouth Peninsula Dental School. The cross-party motion is proposed by Labour Cllr Mary Aspinall (Sutton and Mount Gould) and seconded by Conservative Cllr Andy Lugger (Southway).
The school, established in 2007, is a vital training facility for the South West. The motion asks the Leader of the Council to write to the Minister for Health and all three Plymouth MPs to endorse an increase in student numbers.
Hypocrisy? Labour councillors push to end the Two-Child Benefit Cap
First it's pedestrian crossings in Mutley, now Plymouth Labour are calling on their own government to lift the two child benefit cap.
Labour's motion is proposed by Cllrs Maria Lawson (Plymstock Dunstone) and Jaime Bannerman (Peverell) and asks Cllr Tudor Evans to writes to Rachel Reeves asking her to lift the cap.
While Labour councillors in Plymouth endorse the urgent need to scrap the cap, this stands in stark contrast to the Labour government. Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer has refused to commit to removing the cap in full, citing the need to stick to fiscal rules. In fact, he even suspended seven rebel MPs who called for Labour to lift the cap in July 2024.
Many will be asking what has taken Plymouth Labour so long to bring this motion forward.
Tighter rules for temporary accomodation
The final motion is seeking greater regulation and oversight of properties used for government-contracted temporary accommodation.
The motion has been proposed by Independent Cllrs Steve Ricketts (Drake) and Terri Beer (Plympton Erle) and highlights that unlicensed temporary accommodation adds pressure to the private rented sector which is already under strain.
Political drama ahead?
This is the last council meeting in a bumper political year for Plymouth. This has included the July Mayoral referendum, the sensational resignations of three Labour councillors and Tudor Evans's hospitalisation.
Anything could happen, and you're invited to watch democracy in action
Members of the public can witness the proceedings in person by attending the Council House next to the Civic Centre at 2pm on Monday 24th November 2025.
Full council meetings bring together all 57 Plymouth City Councillors under the Lord Mayor's chairmanship, following the formal procedures laid out in the Council's constitution.
How to watch:
Plymouth residents can either attend the upcoming council meeting in person by heading to the public gallery at the Council House in good time for the 2pm start, or watch live online.
Sign up for free below to get notified with all the latest breaking news from Plymouth Plus.
