Agenda and minutes

Due to the absence of Cllr Michael Lilley, the committee felt it was necessary to elect a Vice Chairman for the day.

RESOLVED:

THAT Cllr Debbie Andre be elected as vice chairman for the day.

To confirm as a true record the minutes of the meeting held on 10 November 2020.

Members noted that the committee requested an update in January 2021 on the Commercialisation Strategy however this was scheduled on the workplan for October 2021. It was clarified that this delay was due to the Council’s ability to deliver the strategy during its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

RESOLVED:

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 10 November 2020 be confirmed.

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

Cllr Paul Fuller declared an interest in item 47e, the Isle of Wight (Parking Places) Order 2020, as the local ward member for Cowes West and Gurnard.

Cllr Julie Jones-Evans declared an interest in item 43a, Covid-19 Response and Recovery, as the Director of Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce.

Questions may be asked of the Chairman must be delivered by electronic mail to Democratic.Services@iow.gov.uk no later than 5.00pm on Friday, 8 January 2021. Each question must give the name and address of the questioner.

Tracy Mikich of Ryde submitted a written question regarding the Floating Bridge. (PQ01-21)

Simon Avery of Seaview submitted a written question regarding the Community Safety Partnership. (PQ02-21)

To consider a verbal update from the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Finance & Covid-19 Recovery and the Chief Executive.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Finance & Covid-19 Recovery provided a verbal update on the current position. Members reflected on the key elements contained within the Recovery Plan and noted the various activities underway to support recovery. The Chief Executive advised that the number of positive cases over a seven-day data period were increasing, driven by the new variant of the virus. A new mobile testing unit had opened at the 1Leisure Medina site, four primary care sites were being utilised for the vaccination programme, and the updated business support website had been launched.

Discussion took place regarding; the contents of free school meal parcels, the availability of local data regarding the roll-out of the vaccination programme, the current position on staying in vehicles during cross-Solent journeys, and whether the Council was looking to reintroduce social-distancing measures in town centres (such as widening pavements). The actions being taken to re-enforce the key messages about staying at home to reduce the current levels of infection on the Island were noted.

RESOLVED:

THAT the update be noted.

To consider a verbal update from the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Transport and the Director of Neighbourhoods.

The Leader advised that the design, build, and performance of Floating Bridge 6 was subject to legal action through mediation. It was confirmed that the Council had submitted a substantial claim and details around this could not be discussed pending the conclusion of legal actions. The Leader anticipated that the matter would be resolved shortly, and a written report would be provided to the next meeting of the Committee in February 2021.

The local ward member for Cowes Medina raised questions around the recent repairs to the hydraulics and pressure gauges and requested an update on the proposed installation of side thrusters. The Leader confirmed that details around the pressure gauges, in addition to the minutes from previous meetings of the Floating Bridge Project Board, would be circulated to Committee and local ward members.

RESOLVED:

i)               THAT the update be noted.

ii)              THAT the Leader report to the Committee at its meeting in February 2021 on the outcome of the legal process and mediation, including an update on the proposed next steps regarding the future of the Floating Bridge.

To consider the annual report of the Community Safety Partnership in accordance with the Committee’s statutory function for crime and disorder.

The Chair of the Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership (CSP) presented the statutory annual strategic assessment, which provided statistical analysis and information on crime for 2019-20. It was highlighted that overall crime rates continued to reduce. Members were advised that the assessment reviews data from the 2019-20 financial year and therefore does cover the impact of the pandemic on crime and anti-social behaviour. It was reassured that the CSP had worked throughout the period to address emerging issues, and it had been reported anecdotally that certain areas of crime had been particularly impacted by lockdown restrictions.

Discussion took place regarding; statistics as indicators of increased police activity, circumstances leading adults to reoffend, quantifiable targets against trends and themes, the role of undiagnosed special educational needs in young offenders, and road safety. Concerns were noted that the inclusion of the prison population was distorting the data, however it was confirmed that this information must be included as part of the Isle of Wight’s population. It was requested that the CSP continue to look at ways of enhancing its working relationship with town, parish and community councils.

RESOLVED:

THAT the Strategic Assessment 2019/20 be considered and scrutinised, the updated Strategic Plan 2020/2022 be acknowledged, and the committee confirmed it is satisfied that the partnership is fulfilling its statutory duty.

To consider the performance report in respect of the Highways PFI contract, presented by the Director of Neighbourhoods and the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Transport.

The Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Transport presented the performance report in respect of the Highways PFI contract and welcomed any comments by the Committee. Questions were raised regarding delivery of the contract and whether any penalties had been issued. It was noted that projects involving structures were still to be completed before Milestone 14 could be accomplished. Discussion took place regarding the identification of priority roads and communication with local residents, and members were reminded that they could raise individual queries regarding the priority of schemes with Island Roads.

RESOLVED:

THAT the Highways PFI contract performance report for the period August 2020 to November 2020 be noted.

To consider the performance report in respect of the Waste contract, presented by the Director of Neighbourhoods and the Cabinet Member for Environment, Heritage and Waste Management.

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Heritage and Waste Management presented the performance report in respect of the Waste contract and welcomed any comments by the Committee. Discussion took place regarding food waste, textiles, bottle banks, one-off collections, and the garden waste service. The use of town and parish councils to help promote recycling initiatives was highlighted. The Strategic Manager for Waste & Environment outlined the reporting process for instances of fly-tipping, and confirmed the steps that should be taken by householders using alternative means of disposing of waste by private contractors to prevent fly-tipping.

RESOLVED:

THAT the waste contract performance report for the period July 2020 to September 2020 be noted.

At the conclusion of discussion, the Committee adjourned for a 10-minute comfort break.

To consider the approach being taken in respect of budget strategy for 2021-22.

The Cabinet Member for Strategic Finance & Covid-19 Recovery provided an update on the approach being taken in respect of budget strategy for 2021-22. It was advised that the budget setting would be in line with the medium-term financial plan and it was critical that the budget be balanced by the end of the financial year.

Members were advised that an overspend would need to be recovered in coming years, and future budgets would need to cope with a projected loss of income due to the pandemic (particularly the impact of lockdowns on revenue streams such as parking and leisure centres). Discussion took place regarding financial resilience and uncertainty, particularly regarding government funding. The Fair Funding Review had been postponed and it was anticipated that the earliest changes would come into effect for the 2022-23 financial year.

It was advised that innovative ways to generate income were being looked into. It was confirmed that final proposals would be determined over upcoming weeks, prior to presentation to this Committee, the Cabinet and Full Council in February 2021.

RESOLVED:

THAT the approach being taken in respect of the budget strategy for 2021-22 be noted.

To review items due to be considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 14 January 2021, and where appropriate, make comments that the committee believe should be considered. The items currently shown on the latest forward plan at the time of publication of this agenda, are:

The Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Transport presented the report which sought the Cabinet’s agreement to make improvements to the junction and to undertake a speed review, following a three-vehicle collision in April 2019 which resulted in the death of a passenger and three others sustained serious injuries. Members expressed their condolences to the families of those affected by the collision.

RESOLVED:

THAT the recommendations to Cabinet be noted.

The Committee considered the report which asked the Cabinet to agree in principle that the Council seeks to acquire properties at Fitzroy Street and Station Avenue, Sandown by way of negotiation or by the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order. Whilst there were a number of other properties on the island where similar action was required, the budget only enabled one to be actioned.

RESOLVED:

THAT the recommendations to Cabinet be noted.

The Committee considered the report which recommended that the Cabinet adopted the draft beach management strategic framework and investigates the provision of marker buoys in advance of the RNLI safety audits.

RESOLVED:

THAT the amended recommendations to Cabinet be noted, and the         Beach Management Strategy be endorsed.

Due to time constraints, and in accordance with Procedure Rule 6 ‘Duration of Meetings’, it was proposed that the meeting be extended to allow adequate time for the remainder of the agenda items to be considered.

RESOLVED:

THAT the meeting be extending for a maximum of 30 minutes.

This item would be considered in February 2021.

The Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Transport presented the report which recommended that the Cabinet approve the changes to parking places as set out in the Order and implemented them as soon as practically possible. The ward member for Cowes West and Gurnard expressed the views of local residents in light of the significant feedback received opposing seafront car parking charges.

It was confirmed that a member briefing on the Parking Delivery Plan would be arranged by the Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure and a copy of the report by WYG would be circulated. Two proposals in relation to parking charges on Gurnard Esplanade were proposed and separately voted upon, but lost, and the recommendations to Cabinet were noted.

RESOLVED:

THAT the recommendations to Cabinet be noted.

To identify any item contained within the published forward plan that would benefit from early consideration within the workplan for either this committee of one of the policy and scrutiny committees.

Members were invited to identify any item contained within the published Forward Plan that would benefit from early consideration within the workplan for either this committee of one of the policy and scrutiny committees. No comments were made at this stage.

RESOLVED:

THAT the forward plan be noted. 

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills took a delegated decision on 9 December 2020 on the proposed approach and offer for the Covid Winter Grant across the Island. The Government announced the availability of funding on 8 November 2020 and it was necessary to make provision for this to be passed onto vulnerable families before the Christmas and winter break. This therefore meant that the Cabinet Member had to take an urgent decision in order to achieve the distribution of funding within the tight timescales. The Chairman of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee was consulted and noted the reasons for the decision not being published on the council's forward plan and agreed to waiver the 28 days’ notice due to the limited time circumstances. The Chairman of the Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Children's Services, Education and Skills was also consulted and agreed the request and rationale for the disapplication of call in procedures with regard to this decision and will be instructing officers to include review of the decision as part of the committee’s workplan at the earliest opportunity. Details of the decision can be viewed via the following link :- https://iow.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=159

Members noted that the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills took a delegated decision on 9 December 2020 on the proposed approach and offer for the Covid Winter Grant across the Island. The Government announced the availability of funding on 8 November 2020 and it was necessary to make provision for this to be passed onto vulnerable families before the winter break. This therefore meant that the Cabinet Member had to take an urgent decision in order to achieve the distribution of funding within the tight timescales. The Chairman of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee was consulted and noted the reasons for the decision not being published on the council's forward plan and agreed to waiver the 28 days’ notice due to the limited time circumstances. The Chairman of the Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Children's Services, Education and Skills was also consulted and agreed the request and rationale for the disapplication of call in procedures with regard to this decision and will be instructing officers to include review of the decision as part of the committee’s workplan at the earliest opportunity. 

RESOLVED:

THAT the urgent Cabinet Member Delegated Decision (Connect4Communities Covid Winter Grants) be noted.

To consider the Committee’s workplan for 2020-21 and any further items for possible inclusion.

Consideration was given to the Committee’s workplan for 2020-21. Members noted that the next meeting of the Committee would receive a considerable update regarding the Floating Bridge. It was highlighted that the Isle of Wight Motorcycle Time Trial Event was due to be considered by the Cabinet in March 2021, and members sought confirmation that this was still due to take place.

RESOLVED:

THAT the forward plan be noted. 

A question must be submitted by electronic mail to Democratic Services no later than 5.00pm on Friday, 8 January 2021.

Cllr Jones-Evans raised an oral question regarding the plans for the scheduled local elections due to take place in May 2021. The Chief Executive advised that a decision was expected imminently by the Minister of Housing, Communities and Local Government.