To invite Cabinet Members to provide a brief update on matters concerning their portfolio.
Minutes:
Several members gave an update on activities within their portfolios.
In Children’s Services, it had been business as usual throughout the pandemic. Within schools, tests, coursework and mock exams indicated that results would be good this year. The Connect4Communities scheme had ben successful and had provided free school meals and play schemes in the school holidays, and further funding had been received which would provide similar facilities in the Easter holidays, as well as helping young carers, care leavers and early years settings. More government money was expected to be used after easter and bidders to operate a scheme were being sought.
The delegated decision on SEN banding had now been taken. Physical Ofsted inspections had been suspended during the lockdown but virtual visits had taken place. The three secondary schools previously not rated ‘good’ had shown improvements and it was hoped they would all receive a ‘good’ rating when physical inspections resumed. The Cabinet member thanked the Children’s Services team for the help given to him over the previous four years.
Environment and Waste – there were now 9962 green waste subscriptions, with the deadline being 19 March. Fly tipping and littering had increased on the island with 525 fly tips being reported in the past year. and a co-ordinated approach was needed to tackle the problem. It was proposed that a task and finish group be set up with senior officers and cross-party members., with a strategy and action plan being developed. It was suggested that this be put on the workplan for the Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration and possibly included within the Climate Strategy currently being produced.
It was a year since the first lockdown had started and the effect on homelessness and mental health was highlighted. The Cabinet member thanked all front line workers for all they had done over the past year.
The Community Safety Team were planning for recovery and enabling businesses to reopen when permitted. COVID officers had attended outside schools following their reopening to ensure COVID safety, and this was working well. There had been some parking issues caused by the increase in home delivery services and officers were looking into what could be done to address the issues. Officers were also working on the ‘dogs on beaches’ issue and gathering opinions to review the current measures prior to the summer season. The Le Blanc event was to take place from 17-19 September 2021 and would be based in Ventnor. The Michelin starred chef Claude Bossey would be attending. There would be benefits to the island and Island produce would be promoted, with lots of media attention. The Cabinet member expressed his thanks to the team.
Phase 2 of the Newport Traffic Plan had commenced, with works starting at St George’s Way. It was hoped that the works would be completed by the end of July 2021.
The Chairman reported that keeping the community safe, economic recovery and financial stability were going in the right direction and he thanked the Cabinet team, especially the Vice Chairman for his support.