Agenda and minutes

To confirm as a true record the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 May 2021.

RESOLVED:

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 26 May 2021 be approved.

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

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans declared an interest in Minute number 22.3, as she was the Vice Chairman of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council and the Ward councillor for Newport Central.

Councillor Karen Lucioni declared an interest in Minute number 22.1, as she worked for the Earth PA noticeboard for Adult Social Care.

Councillor Michael Lilley declared an interest in Minute Number 19, in relation to Covid, as he was the Chairman of the Isle of Wight Voluntary Sector Forum.

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. Normally, Full Council is held on a Wednesday, therefore the deadline for written questions will be Friday, 16 July 2021.

A written question was submitted by Mr Locke of Freshwater regarding the vaccination centre in Freshwater (PQ 36/21).

Alison Logan from Niton asked a verbal question regarding the council’s investment and reintroduction of County Farms and their support of the net zero carbon aspirations. The Leader advised that a written response would be supplied.

To receive the Chairman’s official announcements.

A written report had been circulated for information. The Chairman advised it was Newport’s ornithologist, botanist, and historian Bill Shepard’s 100^th birthday. The Chairman confirmed he would send a birthday card on behalf of the Council.

a)             To receive the Leader’s update report (5 minutes maximum).

b)             Councillor’s questions on the Leader’s update report (15 minutes maximum).

The Leader advised that it had only been eight weeks since the Alliance group took over the administration of the Council and there had been a number of changes made based on commitments of democracy, openness, transparency and accountability. Cabinet Members had taken on portfolios and indicated the importance of taking their time to understand the details of services the council provided. It was acknowledged that Covid-19 had taken a toll on council resources and would impact for a time to come, however with government easing restrictions the importance of encouraging the use of good behaviours was important.

Thanks, were given to Cllr Clare Mosdell who had sought money for a new homeless scheme which the leader had attended the opening of. She went on to thank the residents of Pan and Barton along with local Cllr Geoff Brodie to achieve agreement for the scheme.

Questions were raised regarding community wealth building on Island and using an organisation to provide a presentation to Councillors on what is possible and the best way forward, the Leader asked Cllr Quigley to lead on this.

The Leader was asked to write a letter of commendation to both Freshwater and Totland Parish Councils, especially Daniel James for outstanding effort in putting safe swimming buoys in the areas bays. It was also noted that listening to people in Ryde regarding the Ryde Interchange was important.

The Leader agreed the IW Voluntary sector had played an important role in supporting the most vulnerable residents during the pandemic and would have an important role in the Islands recovery. Volunteers were commended for all their help during this time.

It was recognised by the Leader that consultation with Town and Parish Council’s was important especially regarding the proposed Island Plan, it was hoped that discussions could take place on a regular basis, to discuss local matters.

The Leader was asked what assessment had been made of the councils resilience to restore to business as usual and cope with the pressure such as employment and housing, the Leader believed that the health and wellbeing of Island residents was important and it had to be done right to help everyone.

Concern was raised regarding the recent Southern Water legal action and the implications that may have for the Island, the Cabinet Member explained that the legal action had been monitored closely, data that had been supplied could be incorrect and a meeting had been arranged with Southern Water supported by the MP to request correct data. It was noted that in the Bay area Southern Water had spent £6 million to alleviate discharge of pollution, however there were still a number instances when this still happened, it was agreed that this would be raised at the meeting with Southern Water.

RESOLVED:

THAT the Leaders Update report be noted.

The Leader presented the report highlighting the proposed changes to the council’s constitution and reasons for them, advising the changes would demonstrate transparency and openness to Island residents. A number of changes had already been made such as reverse proportionality at Scrutiny Committees and no Cabinet Member delegated decisions.

There was some discussion regarding the need to refer to Council officers as staff, as it could be seen to be disrespectful, and it was noted there had been no consultation with staff, with most staff being unaware of the change. It was suggested the change to councillors was more understandable in regard to what the proposal was trying to achieve. A proposal to vote en bloc except for option 1 was duly seconded.

It was noted that Full council meetings were held at 6pm prior to the last administration who moved it to a 5pm start to save money on staff time, heating and lighting.

The involvement of the Youth Council and an IWALC representative on planning and (with voting rights) on Corporate Scrutiny were seen to be positive steps and were welcomed. A proposal was made and duly seconded to vote on proposals three and four separately.

A vote was taken for a separate vote on proposal one, the proposal fell.

A vote was taken for a separate vote on proposals three and four, the proposal fell.

A vote was taken for all proposals en bloc the result of which was as follows:

RESOLVED:

THAT the proposals as specified be approved.

The Leader presented the report and proposed that it be noted, which was duly seconded, a vote was taken the result of which was:

RESOLVED:

THAT the report be noted.

The Chairman formally moved the report, outlining that some of the seats on Committees had not been filled at the last meeting, and this was also an opportunity to nominate substitutes.

A list of Vice Chairman nominations had been made by the Alliance group (appendix 1 - attached to and forming part of these minutes), a nomination for Councillor Vanessa Churchman for Vice Chairman of Isle of Wight Pension Fund was made and duly seconded. A further nomination was put forward for Councillor Claire Critchison for the same position. A vote was taken the result of which was as follows:

RESOLVED:

Cllr Claire Critchison was appointed as Vice Chairman of the Isle of Wight Pension Fund.

There were a few additional changes to the outside bodies (appendix 2), with a nomination for Armed Forces Champion and Mental Health Champion. The Chairman asked for nominations for the Deputy Police and Crime panel member, Councillor Ian Ward was the only councillor to indicate an interest in nomination and duly took post.

A vote was taken on the nominations and the result was as follows:

RESOLVED:

i.               THAT the appointments made as contained in the updated Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

ii.              THAT the council nominations/appointments in the updated Appendix 2 to the report be approved.

iii.             THAT the executive nominations/appointments in the updated Appendix 3 to the report be noted.

Our Council calls on the Government to make good the promise of the Prime Minister, made on the 24 July 2019 who stated to “fix the crisis in social care once and for all with clear plans we are preparing to give every older person the dignity and security they deserve”. 

Specifically, our Council calls on the Government to publish its plan for the future reform and funding of adult social care as a matter of national priority and urgency. For too long, adult social care funding has been bowing in the wind without any clear political steer and without any national plans for it’s future or adequate funding strategy. This has resulted in increasing levels of unmet needs across our island communities and councils across the UK are having to make the most invidious of savings decisions in order to meet its legal duty to deliver a balanced budget.

The pandemic has underlined the fact that adult social care is at the very forefront of supporting our most vulnerable people to help them stay safe. If the Government does not publish its plan, and clarify the future funding of adult social care, it is betraying our vulnerable citizens as well as the people working in social care.  We have asked so very much over the past 15 months from our carers other Key workers and volunteers.  We must receive proper guidance and funding as was described by our prime minister.  Without reform and additional funding we will have to face additional cuts to services which are already stretched to their limits.

Councillor Love moved the following motion which was duly seconded:

Our Council calls on the Government to make good the promise of the Prime Minister, made on the 24 July 2019 who stated to “fix the crisis in social care once and for all with clear plans we are preparing to give every older person the dignity and security they deserve”. 

Specifically, our Council calls on the Government to publish its plan for the future reform and funding of adult social care as a matter of national priority and urgency. For too long, adult social care funding has been bowing in the wind without any clear political steer and without any national plans for it’s future or adequate funding strategy. This has resulted in increasing levels of unmet needs across our island communities and councils across the UK are having to make the most invidious of savings decisions in order to meet its legal duty to deliver a balanced budget.

The pandemic has underlined the fact that adult social care is at the very forefront of supporting our most vulnerable people to help them stay safe. If the Government does not publish its plan, and clarify the future funding of adult social care, it is betraying our vulnerable citizens as well as the people working in social care.  We have asked so very much over the past 15 months from our carers other Key workers and volunteers.  We must receive proper guidance and funding as was described by our prime minister.  Without reform and additional funding we will have to face additional cuts to services which are already stretched to their limits.

Therefore, this council writes to the Prime Minister to ask that he looks into the issues with funding within Adult Social Care.

During the debate an amendment to the motion was moved to include all party leaders to be written to, Councillor Love agreed to accept the amendment.

Following the debate a vote was taken and it was:

RESOLVED:

THAT Council calls on the Government to make good the promise of the Prime Minister, made on the 24 July 2019 who stated to “fix the crisis in social care once and for all with clear plans we are preparing to give every older person the dignity and security they deserve”. 

Specifically, our Council calls on the Government to publish its plan for the future reform and funding of adult social care as a matter of national priority and urgency. For too long, adult social care funding has been bowing in the wind without any clear political steer and without any national plans for it’s future or adequate funding strategy. This has resulted in increasing levels of unmet needs across our island communities and councils across the UK are having to make the most invidious of savings decisions in order to meet its legal duty to deliver a balanced budget.

The pandemic has underlined the fact that adult social care is at the very forefront of supporting our most  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22a

On 18th November 2020, Council asked the then Cabinet to explore the cost and feasibility of acquiring mobile average speed cameras for future use on the Island. On 24th February 2021, Council approved a budget for 2021/22, which included an allocation of £300,000 for purchasing these cameras.

Given that this capital allocation is for the current financial year, Council agrees that the purchase of these mobile average speed cameras should proceed without delay, so that they can be deployed as soon as possible for the benefit of communities around the Island.

Councillor Peace had sent his apologies for the meeting, therefore the motion was not heard.

Council notes that:

1)       Her Majesty the Queen has agreed for a competition to be held to grant       the prestigious civic honour of ‘city status’ to a select number of towns   in the United Kingdom, to mark her Platinum Jubilee.

2)       Local authorities can enter this competition, showcasing their civic pride,       interesting heritage and record of innovation, in order to make the case     for awarding a town one of these honours.

3)       It is widely recognised that the prestige associated with becoming a city       can support efforts to boost prosperity and attract visitors.

4)       The Isle of Wight is one of a minority of English counties without a city;          whereas neighbouring Hampshire has three.

Council therefore agrees that:

1)       The Council prepares a draft bid to nominate the Island’s County Town           for city status.

2)       It will seek the support of Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council as       a partner in this bid, along with local businesses, organisations and the          public, particularly in Newport.

3)       The proposed submission is tabled as an agenda item for the Council   meeting on 17th November 2021, for approval, ahead of submission to      the Cabinet Office by the deadline of 8th December 2021.

Councillor Oliver moved the following motion which was duly seconded:

Council notes that:

1)       Her Majesty the Queen has agreed for a competition to be held to grant       the prestigious civic honour of ‘city status’ to a select number of towns   in the United Kingdom, to mark her Platinum Jubilee.

2)       Local authorities can enter this competition, showcasing their civic      pride, interesting heritage and record of innovation, in order to make      the case for awarding a town one of these honours.

3)       It is widely recognised that the prestige associated with becoming a city       can support efforts to boost prosperity and attract visitors.

4)       The Isle of Wight is one of a minority of English counties without a city;          whereas neighbouring Hampshire has three.

Council therefore agrees that:

1)       The Council prepares a draft bid to nominate the Island’s County Town           for city status.

2)       It will seek the support of Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council as a partner in this bid, along with local businesses, organisations and     the public, particularly in Newport.

3)       The proposed submission is tabled as an agenda item for the Council   meeting on 17th November 2021, for approval, ahead of submission to      the Cabinet Office by the deadline of 8th December 2021.

The Chairman advised under Part 4A Procedure Rule 10 of the Council’s Constitution, he had determined that as the subject matter of the motion materially increased expenditure it would stand adjourned without discussion to the next Full Council, so that the Cabinet can first give it consideration.

RESOLVED:

THAT the motion be referred to Cabinet for prior consideration.

Council notes that in July 2019, cross-party support was secured for a resolution through which the Council declared and acknowledged a ‘Climate Emergency’ and agreed that the Island should seek to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. In January 2021, the Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Neighbourhood & Regeneration considered the draft Climate and Environment Strategy 2021-2030, and recommended it for approval by the Cabinet and subsequent endorsement by Council. The Strategy was originally due to be considered by Cabinet on 10th June 2021.

2)       Council welcomes the statement by the new Alliance administration last month (June) that all decisions “must have regard to support of the Council’s Climate Change Strategy”; and supports this objective.

3)       Having regard for (2) above, Council urges the new administration to bring the Climate and Environment Strategy to Cabinet and Council at the earliest opportunity, and in particular asks for the following to be considered as the updated version is finalised:

a.       The need for new developments to demonstrate a 10% increase in biodiversity on or near development sites (as set out in the Government’s Environment Bill);

b.       Linked to the above, the Council commits to preparing a Sustainability Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) as part of its forthcoming Island Planning Strategy, to set out the policy requirements with regard to net zero and biodiversity;

c.        The Council agrees to work with the Island’s MP to secure greater formal designations and protections for the Island’s countryside and coastline;

d.       The development of a green procurement policy (having regard for updated government guidance), to minimise the carbon impact of goods and services purchased for the Island.

Councillor Ellis withdrew the motion.

To receive a reply to a question asked during questions to the Leader, a question must be submitted in writing or by electronic mail to Democratic Services no later than 5pm on Thursday, 15 July 2021. 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.

There were no written questions submitted by the deadline.

Councillor Churchman requested an update in regard to the floating bridge. The Leader advised that due to the ongoing legal situation she could not answer the question however, she hoped an update would be put to the Cabinet in the Autumn.