Agenda, decisions and minutes

To confirm as a true record the Record of Decision of the meeting held on 12 October 2023.

RESOLVED:

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2023 be approved.

RESOLVED:

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2023 be approved.

To invite Members to declare any interest they might have in the matters on the agenda.

There were no Declarations of Interest

Questions may be asked without notice but to guarantee a full reply at the meeting, a question must be put including the name and address of the questioner by delivery in writing or by electronic mail to Democratic Services at democratic.services@iow.gov.uk, no later than two clear working days before the start of the meeting. The deadline for written questions will be Monday 6 November 2023.

There were no public questions.

The Chairman announced that government grants were to be awarded to people affected by the recent floods. Further details were awaited from government, but the council would be treating it as a high priority.

That Cabinet approves the amalgamation of Godshill Primary School and Chillerton and Rookley Primary School through the closure of Chillerton and Rookley Primary School with effect from the 31 December 2023.

This matter had been ongoing for some time and this was the final stage in the closure of Chillerton and Rookley Primary School. The public notice had been published on 15 September and the results of the consultation had been included in the report. Of the 25 responses, 23 had been in support of the closure.

RESOLVED;

That Cabinet approves the amalgamation of Godshill Primary School and Chillerton and Rookley Primary School through the closure of Chillerton and Rookley Primary School with effect from the 31 December 2023.

That Cabinet approves the Performance Report for the Quarter ended 30 September 2023, and the priority report detail as set out in appendices 1-10.

Questions had been raised at Corporate Scrutiny regarding this item, and all would receive written responses. It was noted that the report contained the previous Cabinet Member titles and portfolios as it related to the previous Quarter, however this would be amended to show the new portfolios when the Quarter 3 report was produced. Aspects of the report which were highlighted included:

Rising costs had meant that some projects had become more difficult to deliver.

Thanks to the Trading Standards team’s work in targeting scams, £284,000 had been saved for island residents.

There had been a drop in the number of planning applications being determined within the target timeframe. The reason for this was being investigated and it was hoped that there would be additional funding for the planning department in the future. The situation would be monitored.

The island-wide speed review was continuing. This would come to Cabinet early in 2024, but it was expected to be later than January as had been indicated in the report.

Cllr Spink asked whether, as the current economic challenges were likely to become worse, instead of having to make huge savings, the council would review whether the luxury of accommodation at Seaclose and County Hall was needed. The Chairman would ensure that a written response was provided.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approves the Performance Report for the Quarter ended 30 September 2023, and the priority report detail as set out in appendices 1-10.

That Cabinet recommends to Full Council adoption of the proposed scheme and make no changes to the maximum level of support for working age cases, meaning it remains at 70 per cent, allowing for minor changes to applicable amounts; and

That Cabinet recommends to Full Council that it continues the current exceptional hardship policy.

It was proposed to retain the level of support at 70 per cent as in the previous year. Responses to the consultation had shown that the majority of respondents were in support of the proposal. There had been a lot of discussion between cabinet members and officers and the team were thanked for their exemplary work in bringing the paper forward. Cllr Lilley confirmed the Liberal Democrat group’s support for the proposals.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet recommends to Full Council adoption of the proposed scheme and make no changes to the maximum level of support for working age cases, meaning it remains at 70 per cent, allowing for minor changes to applicable amounts; and

That Cabinet recommends to Full Council that it continues the current exceptional hardship policy.

To invite Cabinet Members to provide a brief update on matters concerning their portfolio.

The Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration, Culture and Leisure reported that 80 people had attended the launch of the cultural strategy, with a wide range of organisations represented. Additional creative space was being made available near to Building 41.

The number of One Card holders had reached 86.5 per cent of pre-covid numbers.

£500,000 had been received from Sport England to help keep open the Medina swimming pool. Capital bids for pool covers had also been submitted on behalf of West Wight and Waterside pools.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health reported that with regard to the Stop Smoking public health agenda, the Director of Public Health had spoken on the subject at a national webinar. Reducing smoking in pregnancy was going well.

On 11 November it would be National Diabetes Day. The NHS had provided a free prevention programme and residents were encouraged to take part.

Many warm spaces were starting to open for the winter. A list could be found on the council’s website and in libraries.

Community funding was still available to organise activities for young people to age 19 and their families and carers.

Thanks were expressed to staff at the Adelaide reablement facility which was very well run.

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Coastal Protection and Flooding reported that he had been out and about during the recent flooding and thanked members of staff who had given up their time to support residents.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act was now in law and officers were looking at the contents for anything of interest applicable to the island.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Corporate Functions reported that work to conclude the partnership with Hampshire Children’s Services was proceeding and was pleased to report that the multi-agency referrals hub would continue.

There had been some comments in the media regarding the school place planning issue. It was important to note that the key driver was standards in education, not money. Meetings with governors and representatives of Head teachers had taken place and would continue, moving further ahead in the new year once the new Director of Children’s Services was in place. The public consultation would then happen, which was not expected to be before Easter 2024.

The Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, Community Protection and ICT expressed thanks to the community and voluntary sector for the work done during the recent flooding and reminded residents that their local member is there for them.

The Cabinet Member for Transport & Infrastructure, Highways PFI and Transport Strategy, Strategic Oversight and External partnerships echoes the sentiments of other members regarding the recent flooding.

Cabinet Members to identify decisions which need to be amended, added or to be removed from the Forward Plan.

Members were informed that, since publication of the Forward Plan, the item relating to the disposal of housing sites at East Cowes had been removed as there had been no interest in the site. Alternative solutions would be sought for the site as soon as possible. There were no other comments on the contents of the Forward Plan.

To guarantee a reply to a question, a question  must be submitted in writing or by electronic mail to democratic.services@iow.gov.uk no later than 5pm on Tuesday 7 November 2023. A question may be asked at the meeting without prior notice but in these circumstances there is no guarantee that a full reply will be given at the meeting.

Cllr Lilley had submitted some written questions regarding the recent flooding (MQ11/23). The Leader provided a response and indicated that further written responses would follow as there was to be an internal report and Section 19 investigation.

Cllr Spink asked why the council was disposing of land in its ownership and not retaining it for the provision of affordable housing. The Leader indicated that a written reply would be provided.