Agenda and minutes

To confirm as a true record the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 May 2023.

RESOLVED:

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 17 May 2023 be approved.

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

There were no declarations at this stage.

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, 14 July 2023.

Written public questions were submitted by Mrs R Richards (PQ-33-23), Ms E Brothers (PQ-34-23) and K Burke (PQ-35-23).

Ms E Brothers asked a supplementary question, could examples of where equal opportunities had been identified in an Equality Impact Assessment where adverse impact had been identified the Cabinet Member for Finance, Climate Change and Biosphere advised that he would provide a written response.

Mr A Whitaker asked what was being done to protect the listed clock tower in Shanklin, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Climate Change and Biosphere advised that he would look into the matter and provide a response,

Mr Whitaker asked when the lift in Shanklin would be painted, it had been scheduled in the budget for a number of years, however the work had not been carried out. The Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration, Culture and Leisure advised that there was a schedule of works and she would advise when work was taking place.

Cllr S Parkes asked a question regarding the number of House of Multiple Occupancy in Sandown and groups congregating on the beach, the Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, Community Protection, Waste and ICT advised that she would be in contact with the Parish Council to arrange a meeting regarding this issue.

Cllr S Parkes asked a supplementary question regarding the Eastern Bay vision, the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration, Culture and Leisure advised that the vision fed into the current place planning work being undertaken for the Bay area.

Mr O McClean from the Youth Council asked a question regarding providing subsidised or more accessible transport to and from activities to reduce isolation and loneliness in young people, the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Lifelong Skills advised that this was a matter that the council could consider in more detail, although Southern Vectis were proved with funds to provide concessionary fares with a discount for young people.

To receive the Chairman’s official announcements.

The Chairman advised that she had attended several events, which included:

• Welcome reception for visitors from Coburg
• Star Awards celebrating achievements of those in care
• Isle of Wight Education awards
• Armed Forces day event held in Ryde

The Chairman acknowledged the achievements made by the Isle of Wight team at the Island games in Guernsey.

Thanks were given to the Vice Chairman who had attended some events on her behalf.

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

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

The Leader introduced her report and congratulated the Island team for their achievements at the Island games. She went on to advise that she and the Leaders of the councils that are part of the Island’s Forum had written to Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities setting out key issues for Islands.  The Leader reiterated her view that the priority for the Island was to continue to press the government for fair funding for the Isle of Wight Council.

She advised that she was under pressure to support the Southampton, Hampshire and Portsmouth devolution deal, which she was reluctant to do at this stage as the Island would not benefit from it.

A question was asked regarding the closure of Dash, and what would be done to help with support, the Leader advised that she would meet to discuss the matter.

An enquiry was made regarding the recommendations put forward on the acquisition strategy, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Housing, Public Health and Homelessness advised that work was ongoing, however he was cautious with council tax payers money.

Questions were raised regarding the proposed development at Nicholson Road in Ryde, the Leader informed Council that there had been an issue regarding funding, however discussions were taking place.

Concern was raised regarding the number of island residents who did not have a home, the Leader advised that a dedicated member of staff in housing was in post to look into the issue.

Frustration regarding what seemed to be lack of action in building houses for Island people was expressed, the Leader confirmed that there were allocated sites for housing development were coming forward, discussions with registered housing providers were also ongoing for developments similar to that at Branstone.

The Monitoring Officer advised that nominations had been received from the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC) for the positions on Corporate Scrutiny, Health and Wellbeing Board and Planning Committee.

The appointments were proposed and duly seconded.

A vote was taken the result of which was:

RESOLVED:

    (i)         THAT IWALC’s representative Emma Cox be appointed to continue to serve on the Planning Committee as a non-voting member.

   (ii)         THAT IWALC’s representative Simon Cooke be appointed to serve on the Corporate Scrutiny Committee as a voting member.

THAT IWALC’s representative June Davison be appointed to serve on the Health and Wellbeing Board as a voting member.

There are two items of business which are:

(1)  the appointment to a vacancy on the Appointments and Employment Committee – for absolute clarity - it is a seat allocated to the Conservative Group and Full Council is obliged to appoint in accordance with the wishes of that Group; and

(2)   the consequential vacancy for the post of vice-chair of that committee as Cllr Joe Robertson occupied that position.

The Chairman of the Council was of the opinion that both vacancies needed to be filled as a matter of urgency due the next scheduled meeting of the Full Council being not until 20 September 2023 and the local authority is currently undertaking a review of its staffing structure so delay in transacting these two items of business would not be in the best interests of the local authority in these circumstances, particularly in view of the proposed staff structure implementation date.

Councillor S Ellis was nominated and duly seconded for the vacant position on the Appointments and Employment Committee, and as Vice Chairman.

A vote was taken the result was:

RESOLVED:

THAT Councillor S Ellis be appointed to the vacant post on the Appointments and Employment Committee and be Vice Chairman.

To consider Cabinets response to Cllr Brodie’s motion submitted to the last meeting of Full Council:

Full Council agrees to establish a politically proportionate 'Future Governance Working Group' to make recommendations to Full Council January 2024 regarding moving to a Committee system of governance (including the future Committee structure, decision-making powers, etc.). The intention being to recommend for approval a formal resolution to that meeting to bring about such a change in governance with effect on and from the Annual Council 2024.

The Future Governance Working Group shall consist of ten councillors, namely any 4 councillors from the Alliance Group, any 4 councillors from the Conservative Group, any 1 councillor from the Liberal Democrat Group, and any 1 non-aligned councillor, plus staff support.

Its terms of reference are to develop a new Committee system of governance for the Isle of Wight Council and to make recommendations for its implementation to Full Council.

In so doing, the Future Governance Working Group shall, amongst other things, consider how other local authorities have made a transition back to the Committee system of governance model and what lessons can be learnt from that experience, and shall consider examples of best practice, to inform those recommendations.

Cllr G Brodie moved the following amended motion which was duly seconded:

Full Council agrees to establish a politically proportionate 'Future Governance Working Group' to make recommendations to Full Council January 2024 via the Audit and Governance Committee regarding moving to a Committee system of governance (including the future Committee structure, decision-making powers, etc.). The intention being to recommend for approval a formal resolution to that meeting to bring about such a change in governance with effect on and from the Annual Council 2024.

The Future Governance Working Group shall consist of ten councillors, namely any 3 councillors from the Alliance Group, any 4 councillors from the Conservative Group, any 1 councillor from the Empowering Islanders Group, any 1 councillor from the Liberal Democrat Group, and any 1 non-aligned councillor, plus staff support.

Its terms of reference are to develop a new Committee system of governance for the Isle of Wight Council and to make recommendations for its implementation to Full Council.

In so doing, the Future Governance Working Group shall, amongst other things, consider how other local authorities have made a transition back to the Committee system of governance model and what lessons can be learnt from that experience, and shall consider examples of best practice, to inform those recommendations.

Following debate a vote was taken the results were as follows:

RESOLVED:

THAT Full Council agrees to establish a politically proportionate 'Future Governance Working Group' to make recommendations to Full Council January 2024 via the Audit and Governance Committee regarding moving to a Committee system of governance (including the future Committee structure, decision-making powers, etc.). The intention being to recommend for approval a formal resolution to that meeting to bring about such a change in governance with effect on and from the Annual Council 2024.

The Future Governance Working Group shall consist of ten councillors, namely any 3 councillors from the Alliance Group, any 4 councillors from the Conservative Group, any 1 councillor from the Empowering Islanders Group, any 1 councillor from the Liberal Democrat Group, and any 1 non-aligned councillor, plus staff support.

Its terms of reference are to develop a new Committee system of governance for the Isle of Wight Council and to make recommendations for its implementation to Full Council.

In so doing, the Future Governance Working Group shall, amongst other things, consider how other local authorities have made a transition back to the Committee system of governance model and what lessons can be learnt from that experience, and shall consider examples of best practice, to inform those recommendations.

A request to suspend Procedure Rule Part 4B Section 7 (c) (Motions without Notice) to change the order of business on the agenda and bring forward agenda item 9 (e) which was duly seconded.

A vote was taken the results were as follows:

RESOLVED:

THAT suspension of Procedure Rule Part 4B Section 7 (c) be agreed.

That this Council has no confidence in the Executive Leader’s ability to lead a properly functioning Cabinet and Council and hereby removes them from the office of Executive Leader and hereby appoints the Leader of the Conservative Group to fulfil the office of Executive Leader with immediate effect to serve until the day of the annual meeting of the Full Council after the ordinary election in May 2025 and upon said appointment for the Executive Leader to then appoint a Deputy Leader and Cabinet with invitations to participate to all political groups and ungroup Members in recognition of there being 'no overall control' of the Council.

Councillor C Jarman withdrew his motion.

IW Council resolves:

That every child and young person on the Isle of Wight should have accessible out of school youth service/provision that is of a consistent quality where ever they live on the Island.

That the Council as the Unitary Authority works with every parish, community and town council, youth organisations, and voluntary sector to ensure every child and young person has equality in access to a youth (out of school) service across the Island.

Councillor M Lilley moved the following motion which was duly seconded:

Council resolves:

That every child and young person on the Isle of Wight should have accessible out of school youth service/provision that is of a consistent quality where ever they live on the Island.

That the Council as the Unitary Authority works with every parish, community and town council, youth organisations, and voluntary sector to ensure every child and young person has equality in access to a youth (out of school) service across the Island.

Following debate a vote was taken the results were as follows:

RESOLVED:

THAT the motion be discussed at the Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Children’s Service, Education and Skills and brought to Full Council once that had been undertaken.

The health of the oceans and the waters that surround us as an Island are inextricably linked with our climate, human health, wellbeing and prosperity. However, decades of irresponsible marine exploitation and pollution have led to significant levels of degradation, and this, together with the detrimental impacts of our changing climate on marine ecosystems, has led to national and global recognition that the world ocean is in crisis.

On the Isle of Wight we are witnessing the ocean crisis first-hand. Poor water quality is impacting seafood and safe bathing. Our beaches suffer from litter with each tide, much of it plastic, and our coastline is fragile, increasing the risk to infrastructure and properties, and increasing the risk of flooding and storm damage.

Island residents are being disproportionately impacted relative to inland communities, in particular because the ocean is a key part of our heritage and economy.

Urgent action is needed to halt these devastating changes. We must do what we can to assist in recovering the health of the ocean and we must strive to develop a sustainable and equitable local blue economy that delivers both ocean recovery alongside local prosperity.

We must also recognise the extensive local designations that exist on the coasts and waters around us and the fact that the entirety of the waters that surround us have been given UNESCO Biosphere status. These designations provide potential tools to address the issues and achieve the aims set out in this motion, which also tie in with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This Motion therefore asks the Isle of Wight Council to declare and support an urgent need for Ocean Recovery as follows:

We recognise that we need ocean recovery to meet our net zero carbon targets, and that we need net zero carbon to recover our ocean.

The Council therefore pledges, through requesting Cabinet to:

1.   Ensure that the Climate and Environment Board receives regular updates as part of its ongoing work on actions and projects that will assist ocean recovery around the Island.

2.   Embed ocean recovery in all strategic decisions, plans, budgets and approaches to decisions by the Council (particularly in planning, regeneration, skills and economic policy), aligning with climate change mitigation and adaptation requirements, and considering ocean-based solutions in our journey towards a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient future.

3.   Promote close working between the Isle of Wight Council and all relevant partners with interests and responsibilities relating to the waters around us. In particular ensure that local planning policy supports ocean recovery, working closely with the Marine Management Organisation to embed strong links between the Local Plan and the South Marine Plan to support ocean recovery.

4.   Ensure that the forthcoming Local Nature Recovery Strategy strives to support ocean recovery and that this is supported and enhanced by the Local Planning Strategy and relevant local, national and international designations.

5.   Work with partners locally and nationally, in particular SIFCA, so as to deliver increased sustainability in local marine industries, including the local fishing industry,  ...  view the full agenda text for item 23.

Councillor J Bacon moved the following motion which was duly seconded:

The health of the oceans and the waters that surround us as an Island are inextricably linked with our climate, human health, wellbeing and prosperity. However, decades of irresponsible marine exploitation and pollution have led to significant levels of degradation, and this, together with the detrimental impacts of our changing climate on marine ecosystems, has led to national and global recognition that the world ocean is in crisis.

On the Isle of Wight we are witnessing the ocean crisis first-hand. Poor water quality is impacting seafood and safe bathing. Our beaches suffer from litter with each tide, much of it plastic, and our coastline is fragile, increasing the risk to infrastructure and properties, and increasing the risk of flooding and storm damage.

Island residents are being disproportionately impacted relative to inland communities, in particular because the ocean is a key part of our heritage and economy.

Urgent action is needed to halt these devastating changes. We must do what we can to assist in recovering the health of the ocean and we must strive to develop a sustainable and equitable local blue economy that delivers both ocean recovery alongside local prosperity.

We must also recognise the extensive local designations that exist on the coasts and waters around us and the fact that the entirety of the waters that surround us have been given UNESCO Biosphere status. These designations provide potential tools to address the issues and achieve the aims set out in this motion, which also tie in with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This Motion therefore asks the Isle of Wight Council to declare and support an urgent need for Ocean Recovery as follows:

We recognise that we need ocean recovery to meet our net zero carbon targets, and that we need net zero carbon to recover our ocean.

The Council therefore pledges, through requesting Cabinet to:

1.   Report to Full Council within 6 months on the actions and projects that will begin an ocean recovery around the Island.

2.   Embed ocean recovery in all strategic decisions, plans, budgets and approaches to decisions by the Council (particularly in planning, regeneration, skills and economic policy), aligning with climate change mitigation and adaptation requirements, and considering ocean-based solutions in our journey towards a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient future.

3.   Promote close working between the Isle of Wight Council and all relevant partners with interests and responsibilities relating to the waters around us. In particular ensure that local planning policy supports ocean recovery, working closely with the Marine Management Organisation to embed strong links between the Local Plan and the South Marine Plan to support ocean recovery.

4.   Ensure that the forthcoming Local Nature Recovery Strategy strives to support ocean recovery and that this is supported and enhanced by the Local Planning Strategy and relevant local, national and international designations.

5.   Work with partners locally and nationally, in particular SIFCA, so as to deliver increased sustainability in local marine industries, including the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

That this Council supports Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub’s bid for funding from the DfE and Arts Council England to be the Hub Lead Organisation for our geographical region.

Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub’s aim is to make quality musical opportunities accessible, affordable, enjoyable and educational to all children and young people aged 0-18. Through supporting and delivering music in schools and the community, Isle of Wight Music Hub ensures that every child has access to the ongoing music making that drives long lasting, meaningful transformation.

The partnership draws upon the strengths of the collective group, reflective of the cultural and artistic diversity of the island and celebrates the musical achievement of children and young people on the Isle of Wight. As trustees of The Island Collection and Chair of IWCEP they are very well versed in the Cultural Strategy and they align with the direction of travel.

They currently work with 100% of schools and settings across the island in some capacity.  Their hub programme of activities this year alone has reached close to 7500 children (close to 50% of the IOWs school population) through events, performances, activities, workshops, and CPD.  Schools, headteachers and music leaders all see them as a first point of contact for support with music due to the quality of their delivery or training or the offers that they give them via the hub menu to take part in projects, workshops and events for free.

Funded by the DfE via the Arts Council their core funding for Southampton and Isle of Wight has enabled them to secure a further £556,000 of funding plus a further £2 million of leveraged funding, supporting the wider music and cultural ecosystem on the IOW supporting and allowing greater access to music, instruments, and performance opportunities for schools and young people.

IOW Music Hub is committed to ensuring that there are high quality musical activities to meet the needs of all children and young people. Through a range of innovative approaches, they seek to develop inclusion, participation and progression for children in schools, the community and beyond.  They have referral systems with the IOW YOT for NEET YP and work closely with all the SEND settings using music as an intervention and to support wellbeing and social and emotional outcomes.

The IOW Music Hub have a proven track record in excellence. Their experience in rehabilitating what was a non-existent partnership on the IOW in the past 7 years has provided them with the vision, innovation and strategy needed to successfully manage a full and varied offer. If they are successful in this bid, they will be able to continue to inspire and enthuse our island young people for the next academic year and beyond.

Due to time constraints this item was not considered.

That the Isle of Wight Council’s Staff Parking Permit Scheme be amended to reflect the modernisation of its slimline workforce in delivering multiple service and business needs to the people of our Island by extending the Scheme to cover all 24/7 parking for a registered vehicle in all council Long Stay carparks, with the permit attached to the registered vehicle and not as currently, to the named employee or volunteer. This enables equality of application use and parity between the public scheme and workplace use and therefore there is no need for complicated differential rules within enforcement procedures. This scheme recognises and values the additional unpaid efforts of our workforce and volunteers who so often go above and beyond to ensure that our customer’s, the people of our Island, receive the best services of our council in a timely manageable and flexible way.

Due to time constraints this item was not considered.

To receive a reply to a question asked during Members’ Question Time to the Leader or Cabinet Member, a question must be submitted in writing or by electronic mail to Democratic Services no later than 5pm on Thursday, 13 July 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.

A question had been provided in advance of the meeting from Councillor M Lilley regarding the announcement to close ticket offices at train stations, in particular the recent money spent on the upgrades made as part of the Ryde interchange works. The Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, Highways PFI and Transport Strategy shared his concerns and had received information from South West Trains that it was unlikely to physically close the space, a different operating model may be implemented.

Councillor T Outlaw asked if the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Housing, Public Health and Homelessness could guarantee delivery of affordable homes at Berry Hill, The Deputy Leader advised that he would provide a written response.

Councillor N Stuart asked a question relating to the reinstatement of the Military Road in the future, the Cabinet Member for Transport of Infrastructure, Highways PFI and Transport Strategy advised that the most pressing highway issue on the Island and land ownership had added complications.

Councillor P Brading asked when the expected speeding review would be available, the Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, Highways PFI and Transport Strategy informed Council that the report was expected in October/November.

Councillor A Garratt asked if the 2024/25 budget would extend the public consultation in bringing forward indicative savings, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Climate Change and Biosphere advised that sessions would be open for all Councillors after the summer and welcomed cross chamber involvement.