Agenda item

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, 22 February 2024. 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.

Cllr G Brodie submitted a written question, the Leader (with responsibility Transport and Infrastructure, Highways PFI and Transport Strategy, Strategic Oversight and External Partnerships) provided a written response. (MQ 10/24).

Cllr G Brodie asked a supplementary question. Why was the number five bus between East Cowes and Newport targeted, the Leader advised that the decision had been made in partnership with Southern Vectis.

Cllr R Quigley asked if the Leader would support him taking on the responsibility for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) as a community contact. The Leader believed it was a great idea and was happy for Cllr Quigley to move forward with this.

Cllr K Love asked if a letter could be written to the directors of Red Funnel regarding their staffing issues particularly given that the Islands economy depends on the service. The Leader agreed to send a letter to Red Funnel, he would share both the letter and response with all members.

Cllr J Nicholson asked a question regarding the continued overspend in the community care budget. He asked which budgets the money had come from to support and whether an impact assessment had been undertaken. The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health advised that she would provide a written response.

Cllr C Jarman highlighted the responses to the public consultation on the budget and asked why results of the budget consultation had not been taken into account when proposing a council tax increase. Cllr I Stephens agreed.

Cllr P Brading asked what provision had been made medium term financial plan of evidence of debt that may fall to the Isle of Wight Council due to issues with school place planning. The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Corporate Functions advised that planned periods of engagement were already scheduled with the public and stakeholders.

Cllr P Brading asked a supplementary concerning the potential debt if any schools went under with the Council being responsible for them and what provision has being made. The Cabinet Member advised that it was part of a wider range of considerations.

Cllr V Churchman asked a question regarding the IW Pension Fund and the staffing issues within the Pension team, she asked what was being done to replace the fund manager when the post became vacant, and enlarging the pension fund team to handle the situation. The Leader advised that a written reply would be provided and copied to all members.

Cllr M Price asked what provision was in place to deal with standing water on roads, the Leader (with responsibility Transport and Infrastructure, Highways PFI and Transport Strategy, Strategic Oversight and External Partnerships) advised that there were many factors that could cause standing water on roads, the authority was doing what they could, working with partner agencies and Island Roads.

Cllr E Blake asked what contingency was in place if Ventnor was completely shut off without access by emergency services, the Leader (with responsibility Transport and Infrastructure, Highways PFI and Transport Strategy, Strategic Oversight and External Partnerships) advised that Island Roads were responsible for the Islands road network.

Cllr E Blake asked a supplementary question stating the Whitwell road could be the only road into Ventnor, what is the contingency plan to get people into Ventnor, the Leader explained that there were current safety concerns on some of the roads into Ventnor, there were no plans to build new roads on the Island.