The Full Council of the Isles of Scilly will convene on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, to discuss a range of important reports requiring decisions. Key topics on the agenda include the Director of Public Health's annual report on child poverty, the proposed disposal of the Old Museum, and updates on the new care home and Town Hall redevelopment projects.

Director of Public Health Annual Report: Child Poverty

A significant item for discussion is the Director of Public Health Annual Report for 2025/2026, which focuses on the pressing issue of child poverty across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The report, co-authored with the Strategic Director for Together for Families, highlights that over 27,000 children in the region are growing up in relative poverty. It details the impact of poverty on children's health, wellbeing, education, and future aspirations, noting that geographical isolation, a seasonal economy, and limited infrastructure on the Isles of Scilly present unique challenges. The report calls for collaborative action at national, regional, and local levels to address child poverty, presenting practical, locally-informed recommendations. Councillors are asked to approve the report's content and support its recommendations.

Proposed Disposal of the Old Museum, Church Street, St Mary's

The Council is set to consider the proposed disposal of the Old Museum site on Church Street, St Mary's. The building has been vacant since 2019 due to structural concerns, and a replacement facility is under construction as part of the Town Hall redevelopment. The site, approximately 470 sqm, is considered suitable for housing, and planning permission in principle supports residential redevelopment. The Council has £182,000 ringfenced for housing development on this site. Councillors will be asked to approve the disposal of the site in accordance with the Council's Financial Regulations and Acquisitions and Disposals Policy, and to note progress on achieving vacant possession.

New Care Home: Heads of Terms and Fit Out Costs

The meeting will review the building elements of the integration project for a new care home, including arrangements regarding the lease and initial fit-out. The new facility is crucial for ensuring adequate healthcare provision on the islands and preventing the closure of Park House, the current care home. A Care Quality Commission report in January 2023 highlighted that areas of Park House were no longer adequate to meet the needs of the service. The new integrated Health and Adult Social Care hub is nearing completion, with building handover scheduled to begin in February 2026. Councillors will be asked to note key points in the draft Heads of Terms for the lease and grant delegated authority to conclude these terms. They will also be asked to approve £100,000 for initial set-up costs, including fixtures and fittings, to be funded from the Council's capital programme via prudential borrowing.

Heads of Terms for Town Hall Redevelopment

Further details will be presented regarding the Heads of Terms for the Town Hall redevelopment. The Isles of Scilly Museum Association has agreed in principle to become the new operator for the Cultural Centre and Museum within the redeveloped Town Hall, subject to finalising a lease and partnership agreement, and securing storage for its collection. This report focuses on the Heads of Terms for the new lease, which have been the subject of ongoing negotiation. Key points for discussion include the lease length, break clauses, rent, service charges, and repair responsibilities. The Council is also considering a capital grant of £15,000 to the Isles of Scilly Museum Association towards the purchase of Lyonesse Stores on Buzza Street for the storage of museum artefacts, should other funding options be exhausted.

Commercial Waste Subscription Service Fees 2026-2027

The Council is proposing new fees for the Commercial Waste Subscription Service for the 2026-2027 financial year. This service includes the collection and disposal of residual waste and recycling. The report outlines that the proposed fees are an increase of 5% to cover service costs and inflation. This aligns with the Council's financial principle of full cost recovery for trade waste. The report also notes that the Council's waste budget is currently overspent due to delays in achieving anticipated savings from a collaboration agreement with Cornwall Council, and rising waste management costs in other areas. Councillors will be asked to approve the proposed fees.

Corporate Plan (2022-2026) Close-down Report

A report will be presented to assess the Council's progress against its Corporate Plan 2022-2026 objectives and promises. The assessment indicates that 13 out of 24 objectives have been achieved, with a further 2 expected to be achieved by the end of the plan period. Nine objectives have been identified as unachievable. The report also details that of the 22 promises made to the community, 11 are assessed as having been kept or exceeded, with 2 likely to fall short. Councillors will be asked to approve these assessment documents, which will inform the development of the new Corporate Plan and future communications.

Council Performance Summary and Corporate Risk Register: Quarter 3 2025/26

The Council's performance for the third quarter of the financial year 2025/26 will be presented, alongside the corporate risk register. The performance summary includes data on statutory compliance, corporate benchmarking, and service and project reporting. The report notes improvements in performance monitoring, although some targets are still being refined. The corporate risk register details identified risks, their links to corporate objectives, current controls, and proposed further actions. Councillors will be asked to consider and note this information and determine if any further action is required.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman: Annual Review Letter 2024-25

The Monitoring Officer will present the annual review letter from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The letter indicates that three complaints were received about the Council during this period, none of which were upheld. The report provides context that these complaints related to the Council's policy on post-16 travel and accommodation, and investigations were ended due to court proceedings. Councillors will be asked to note the Ombudsman's annual review letter.

Schedule of Delegated Planning Applications

A schedule of delegated planning applications that have been registered and/or determined since the last report will be presented for information only. This includes details of applications, submitted documents, and planning officer reports for determined applications. A list of pending applications is also provided, with decisions yet to be made.

In addition to these reports requiring a decision, the meeting will also include standard agenda items such as declarations of interest, confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting, Chairman's announcements, consideration of questions and motions, and the receipt of draft minutes from committees for information. Part 3 of the agenda includes reports containing exempt information, relating to the award of contracts for the Park House redevelopment and Ennor Farm Housing Site groundworks.