To invite Cabinet Members to provide a brief update on matters concerning their portfolio.
Minutes:
The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Lifelong Skills reported that the service was in a transitional phase with the ending of the partnership with Hampshire in the near future. Several initiatives were moving forward with the opening of the new family centre in Sandown, and the adult education programme, some of which was available for free, was detailed on the council’s website. The matter of surplus school places would be addressed to ensure a high level of service.
The Cabinet Member for Finance, Climate Change and Biosphere thanked the Leader for all she had done whilst Leader of the council.
The planning committee had recently given planning approval for two solar farms on the island.
There was a new decision-making tool available to assist with assessing the likely impact of decisions on the climate and biosphere.
The Cabinet Member for Planning, Coastal Protection and Flooding reported that, in relation to Planning matters, discussions were ongoing with Town and Parish Councils regarding enforcement in their areas. The decision notice for the Worsley in Wroxall had now been completed. Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council had been instrumental in the restoration of two key properties in Newport High Street.
A total of 487 units had been granted planning permission in the past year, which was just over the figure contained in the Draft IPS.
The Government had issue the NPPF which failed to recognise the exceptional circumstances for islands.
In relation to Coastal protection, Ventnor Coastal Protection Scheme was ahead of schedule.
Seaview slipway had been restored.
The council would be working with the Environment Agency to work on the consultation for Yarmouth and Shanklin coastal protection issues.
The Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration, Culture and Leisure reported that the Director of Regeneration had left the council, along with other members of the regeneration team.
A new species of dinosaur had been found and it was hoped that the remains would be displayed at Dinosaur Isle on the October Half Term.
Funding had been applied for to upgrade the museum.
The number of One Card memberships had increased and was now at 86% of pre-pandemic numbers.
New facilities and equipment had been installed at the heights and medina Leisure centres.
The Solent Local Enterprise partnership were working on a cultural strategy for the Solent area. Businesses could obtain free mentoring via the SLEP.
The Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, Highways PFI and Transport Strategy reported that contractual challenges were being faced with the Highways PFI. Legal advice had been sought in some cases.
The floating bridge dispute had concluded and improvements to the vessel were now in hand.
The Local Transport Plan had been delayed pending government guidance.
The Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and Waste, Community Protection and ICT reported that 98% of household waste was now being diverted from landfill. There had been less than 20 missed collections per 100,000. Same-day bookings for the tip should be live within the next few months.
There was ongoing work with Regulatory Services regarding the underage sales of vapes.
Ryde and Cowes police were looking to have an open desk in the near future. The work of the Fire and Police cadets and the Prince’s Trust were commended for their work with young people and the Cabinet Member was looking forward to an observation day with the police rapid response team.