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Weekly updates

PSPO Approved for Ventnor Harbour Amid Financial Review

This week, the Isle of Wight Council held three meetings: the Harbour Committee on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, the Appointments and Employment Committee on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, and a meeting on Monday, June 24, 2024, to review the work of the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE). The most impactful discussions took place during the Harbour Committee meeting.

Harbour Committee Meeting

The Harbour Committee meeting on Wednesday focused on the performance and financial status of Newport Harbour and Ventnor Harbour, along with plans to improve their operations.

Performance of the Harbours

Reports from the Senior Harbour Masters highlighted key differences between the two harbours. Newport Harbour saw an increase in visitor numbers, leading to higher-than-expected revenues from moorings and harbour fees. The new layout introduced in 2023 to accommodate both leisure users and commercial traffic was reported to be effective, with no significant incidents.

Conversely, Ventnor Harbour faced challenges, including a rise in complaints about noise from jet skis and other leisure crafts, and a decline in mooring revenues compared to the previous year.

Get Well Plans

The committee discussed Get Well plans for both harbours. The Get Well plan for Newport Harbour focuses on maintaining service levels and meeting user needs, including a proposal to apply for a marine licence to conduct dredging works. This is essential to ensure the harbour can continue to accommodate larger vessels like the Wightlink ferries.

For Ventnor Harbour, the Get Well plan included a proposal to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to restrict the use of jet skis and other leisure crafts. While this was opposed by some councillors, it was ultimately approved by a vote of 4 to 1, with one abstention.

A PSPO is a very blunt instrument and would be extremely difficult to enforce. We need to find a way of balancing the needs of all harbour users. — Councillor Morel

Financial Performance

Financial reports revealed contrasting fortunes for the two harbours. The financial summary for Newport Harbour showed a forecasted surplus of £100,000 for the current financial year, which was welcomed by the committee. However, the financial summary for Ventnor Harbour forecasted a loss of £50,000, prompting a debate on whether the harbour should be closed. The committee deferred the decision for further investigation.

Appointments and Employment Committee Meeting

The Appointments and Employment Committee met on Tuesday to establish a new sub-committee to oversee senior appointments, including the chief executive.

Establishment of Sub-Committee

The committee discussed the creation of a sub-committee responsible for overseeing the appointment of senior staff. While some councillors expressed concerns about adding bureaucracy, the committee agreed to establish the sub-committee and review its effectiveness after a year.

My concern, Chair, is that we're adding a layer of bureaucracy here that's going to bog things down. — Councillor Stewart

Terms of Reference

The committee also agreed to adopt the terms of reference for the new sub-committee, outlining its responsibilities, including recommending a shortlist of candidates and ensuring a fair recruitment process.

SACRE Meeting

On Monday, the council reviewed the work of the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE), focusing on the annual OFSTED report and workplan.

National OFSTED Subject Report

The meeting reviewed the National OFSTED Subject Report for Religious Education, which praised the work of SACREs and highlighted their role in supporting schools with their RE curriculum.

There is much to celebrate in the work that SACREs do.

Workplan and Constitution

SACRE members discussed their draft workplan, including a statutory review of the locally agreed syllabus for Religious Education, last reviewed in 2019.

It's coming up to that five-year cycle when we have to by law review the syllabus, so it seems absolutely right that we put that as a key priority. — Councillor Chris Jarman

The meeting also proposed updates to the SACRE's constitution to reflect changes in statutory guidance and best practices, which were approved unanimously.

...the main point is that the wording has changed slightly...it doesn’t really change anything in terms of how we operate, it’s just updating the wording. — Clerk to the meeting

Themes and Implications

This week's meetings highlight the council's focus on improving harbour operations, ensuring fair recruitment processes, and supporting religious education. The approval of the PSPO for Ventnor Harbour and the financial concerns for both harbours indicate ongoing efforts to balance community needs and financial sustainability. The establishment of a sub-committee for senior appointments reflects a commitment to transparency and efficiency in council operations. Finally, the SACRE's work underscores the importance of continuous improvement in educational support.

These discussions and decisions have significant implications for the island's infrastructure, governance, and educational landscape, shaping the future direction of council actions and community well-being.

Isle of Wight Council Approves Electric Buses and Key Housing, Childcare, and Social Care Initiatives

This week, the Isle of Wight Council held four meetings: the Licensing Committee on Monday, June 10, 2024, the Corporate Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, the Appeals Sub Committee also on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, and the Cabinet on Thursday, June 13, 2024. The most impactful discussions took place during the Cabinet meeting.

Cabinet Meeting

The Cabinet meeting on Thursday covered a wide range of topics, including housing and finance, children's services, adult social care, planning, and transport. Here are the key decisions made:

Housing and Finance

The Cabinet approved the Quarterly Performance Management Report for the period ending 31 March 2024. Highlights included an increase in foot passengers and vehicles using the floating bridge, and a slight rise in the number of primary schools rated 'good' or better. An amendment was made to page 9 of Appendix 3, changing the first word from Full Council to Cabinet.

Children's Services, Education and Corporate Functions

The Cabinet approved the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment for 2024-25, noting that 95% of providers are rated 'good' or 'outstanding'. Additionally, grants totaling £306,026.50 were approved for the Holiday Activity & Food Programme, which supports children entitled to free school meals during holidays.

The Cabinet also updated the School Transport Policy to include Personal Transport Budgets (PTBs) and an Independent Travel Training Service for children with Special Education Needs & Disabilities (SEND). The Post 16 Transport Policy was also updated, introducing a flat rate annual parental contribution and PTBs for families where suitable transport is difficult to find.

Adult Social Care and Public Health

The Cabinet approved the allocation and distribution of the Household Support Fund, which provides food vouchers, crisis grants, and other support to island residents. This aligns with the council's Anti-Poverty Strategy.

Planning, Coastal Protection and Flooding

The Cabinet adopted the Health Contributions Supplementary Planning Document and the Sustainable Drainage Systems Supplementary Planning Document, following public consultation and recommendations from the Corporate Scrutiny Committee.

Transport and Infrastructure

The Cabinet approved the delivery of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) Fund Project, securing £4,474,045 from the Department for Transport to provide 22 electric buses on the island. The council will contribute £500,000 from Section 106 payments.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved proposed parking restrictions in Alverstone, Arreton, Lake, Newchurch, Sandown, and Shanklin, with exceptions for Tamar Close and Yaverland Road in Sandown, which will be monitored and reviewed every two years.

Corporate Scrutiny Committee Meeting

The Corporate Scrutiny Committee meeting on Tuesday focused on progress updates and the review of the council's forward plan. Key discussions included the review of leisure centres and the ongoing Kingston Marine Park project, which is currently held up by film industry strikes but is progressing towards a planning application.

Appeals Sub Committee Meeting

The Appeals Sub Committee met on Tuesday to discuss appeals related to Home to School Transport. One appeal was withdrawn, one was refused, and another was upheld. For more details, you can refer to the Minutes of Previous Meeting.

Themes and Implications

This week's meetings highlight the council's strategic focus on housing, childcare, and sustainable transport. The approval of the ZEBRA project and the adoption of SPDs for health contributions and sustainable drainage systems reflect a commitment to environmental sustainability and public health. The discussions on children's services and the Household Support Fund underscore the council's efforts to support vulnerable residents and improve community well-being.

The decisions made this week are pivotal in shaping the island's approach to development, sustainability, and social support, with long-term implications for community health and infrastructure.

Key Decisions on Housing, Childcare, and Education: Isle of Wight Council Updates

This week, the Isle of Wight Council held three meetings: the Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Health and Social Care on Monday, June 3, 2024, the Planning Committee on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, and the Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Children's Services, Education and Skills on Thursday, June 6, 2024. The most impactful discussions took place during the Planning Committee meeting.

Planning Committee Meeting

The Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday focused on several key planning applications, but the most significant discussion centered around the proposed change of use for Bluebell House in Ventnor from a residential care home to a 22-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Bluebell House Application

The application to convert Bluebell House into an HMO was met with mixed reactions. The proposal included minimal external changes, such as discrete bin storage and cycle storage. The primary concern was the impact on the local community, given the narrow roads and existing traffic issues.

I think it's an inappropriate time to discuss the change to an HMO. When Ventnor is sorted, maybe it could come back. But I still think it's too large a project in too small an area. — Councillor Churchman

Despite these concerns, the committee ultimately approved the application with conditions, including a management plan and a review period to ensure the HMO is managed by an appropriate organization and that residents have a local connection.

I do want to see this happen. But without an effective organization running it along the lines that is outlined in 7.5, I have a major problem. — Councillor Brodie

Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Health and Social Care

The meeting on Monday focused on ongoing health and social care issues, but the detailed discussions were not provided in the transcript.

Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Children's Services, Education and Skills

The meeting on Thursday covered several important topics, including the performance and budget of children's services, the sufficiency of childcare places, and the transformation of special educational needs (SEN) services.

Children's Services Performance and Budget

The committee reviewed the operational and financial performance of the new children's services directorate. The high demand for services and the significant transformation agenda were key points of discussion.

The needs that we're seeing continue to be high... the workload which we're seeing across all teams are very, very high. — Ashley

Childcare Sufficiency

The committee was updated on the sufficiency of childcare places on the island. Despite a slight decrease in the number of places due to provider closures, the council is meeting its statutory duty to provide sufficient childcare.

At the moment, we are meeting statutory duty and the level of early year settings that are out there is really good. — Theresa

SEN Transformation

The committee was briefed on the plan to create 201 additional SEN places within 18 months, aimed at reducing the number of children educated outside of school and on the mainland.

We are looking at developing this further... initially working on our high-cost packages and safeguarding of children. — Naomi

Themes and Implications

This week's meetings highlight the council's focus on managing urban development, ensuring sufficient childcare, and transforming SEN services. The approval of the Bluebell House HMO application underscores the council's efforts to address housing needs while balancing community concerns. The discussions on children's services and SEN transformation reflect a commitment to meeting high demand and improving outcomes for vulnerable children.

The decisions made this week are pivotal in shaping the island's approach to housing, childcare, and education, with long-term implications for community well-being and development.

Isle of Wight Council Tackles Urban Planning and Community Safety: Key Decisions from This Week’s Meetings

This week, the Isle of Wight Council convened for two significant meetings: the Corporate Scrutiny Committee and the Cabinet. The most impactful discussions occurred during the Corporate Scrutiny Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

Corporate Scrutiny Committee Meeting

The meeting addressed several critical issues, including the adoption of supplementary planning documents (SPDs) for health contributions and sustainable drainage systems, future governance, and community safety.

  1. Adoption of Health Contributions SPD: The council's decision to adopt the SPD for health contributions is a strategic move to ensure that health facilities keep pace with housing developments. This decision reflects a growing recognition of the need to integrate health infrastructure planning with urban development, a theme we've discussed in previous emails.

The adoption of the Health Contributions SPD is crucial for supporting our local health services as our population grows. — Corporate Scrutiny Committee Meeting

  1. Adoption of Sustainable Drainage Systems SPD: The adoption of this SPD is a proactive measure against the increasing risk of flooding, which has been a recurring concern. This policy aligns with broader environmental sustainability goals, emphasizing the council's commitment to managing natural resources effectively.

Effective management of water resources and flood risks is essential for sustainable development. — Corporate Scrutiny Committee Meeting

  1. Discussion on Future Governance: The transition from a cabinet to a committee system, set for May 2025, aims to enhance democratic governance. This ongoing shift towards a more inclusive decision-making process is part of a broader theme of governance reform that has been central in council discussions over the past year.

  2. Community Safety Partnership Annual Report: The report's review highlighted the effectiveness of the partnership in meeting statutory duties but also underscored the need for continued focus on rising crime rates, especially domestic abuse and sexual offenses.

  3. Perpetrator Program for Domestic Abuse: The introduction of this program is a significant step towards addressing domestic abuse on the island by focusing on the perpetrators and aiming to prevent reoffending.

Cabinet Meeting

The Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, did not have a summary available at the time of writing. Details will be provided as they become available.

Themes and Implications

This week's meetings underscore the council's strategic focus on integrating health and environmental considerations into urban planning and governance. The adoption of SPDs for health contributions and sustainable drainage systems are pivotal in shaping the island's approach to development and sustainability. Additionally, the discussions on governance reform and community safety reflect a holistic approach to addressing both structural and social challenges on the island.

The decisions made this week are crucial for setting the direction for future council actions, particularly in how they align with the broader goals of sustainable development and community well-being.

Isle of Wight Council Decisions: A New Governance Model and Planning Strategy Unveiled

This week, the Isle of Wight Council focused on substantial governance and planning issues that could reshape the island's future. The council held three key meetings: the Audit and Governance Committee, the Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, and an Extraordinary Meeting of Full Council. The most impactful discussions occurred during the Audit and Governance Committee meeting on Monday, April 29, 2024, and the Extraordinary Meeting of Full Council on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

Audit and Governance Committee Meeting

The Audit and Governance Committee tackled three main areas: changes to the governance model, financial regulations, and the budget setting process. The committee approved a new governance model aimed at enhancing democratic participation and transparency. This change is significant as it reflects a shift towards more inclusive decision-making processes within the council. The committee also updated financial regulations to align with this new model, emphasizing the need for clear communication of budget adjustments to council members.

The updated financial regulations are designed to ensure that all financial operations are compliant and effective under the new governance model, with a strong emphasis on clarity and member awareness. — Audit and Governance Committee Meeting

Additionally, the committee decided to commission an independent report to investigate the budget setting process, highlighting ongoing concerns about transparency and adherence to council decisions.

Extraordinary Meeting of Full Council

The Extraordinary Meeting of Full Council was particularly notable for its decisions on the governance structure and the Draft Island Planning Strategy (DIPS). The council voted to change its governance from a leader and cabinet system to a committee system, effective May 2025. This decision aims to democratize decision-making and better represent public interests, although it has raised concerns about potential operational risks during the transition.

This change mandates a more inclusive approach to council decision-making but introduces a transition period that requires careful management to avoid governance disruptions. — Extraordinary Meeting of Full Council

The council also approved the DIPS, which sets a framework for local development and addresses the island's housing shortages. This strategy is crucial for managing growth and balancing environmental concerns, though it remains a contentious issue with potential for future debates.

Themes and Implications

These meetings continue the theme of governance reform and strategic planning we've discussed in previous emails. The decisions made this week have far-reaching implications for how the council operates and how it interacts with the community. The shift towards a committee system and the approval of the DIPS are pivotal in shaping the future governance landscape and development trajectory of the Isle of Wight.

The focus on transparency, member engagement, and strategic planning underscores a council that is responsive to both the needs of its constituents and the operational challenges it faces. These changes are designed to foster a more accountable and effective council, setting a precedent for future governance and planning initiatives.

Isle of Wight Council Tackles Health Inequalities and Housing: A Strategic Shift Towards Community Wellbeing

This week, the Isle of Wight Council's Health and Wellbeing Board convened to tackle pressing issues surrounding health inequalities, housing, and economic strategies aimed at enhancing community welfare. The meeting, held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, brought to light several key areas of concern and potential development for the community. You can view the full meeting details here.

Health Inequalities

The board's discussion on health inequalities underscored a commitment to addressing these disparities through a multi-sectoral approach. The focus was on enhancing support for vulnerable groups by integrating services across education, housing, and employment sectors. This holistic strategy is anticipated to mitigate the root causes of health disparities, potentially leading to improved community health outcomes.

Housing and Health

A significant portion of the meeting addressed the impact of housing on health. The council recognized the need for robust housing policies and increased support for residents in temporary accommodations. This acknowledgment sets the stage for future council meetings to delve deeper into housing issues, reflecting a strategic pivot towards tackling social determinants of health more comprehensively.

Community Wealth Building

The introduction of a community wealth building strategy marked a pivotal discussion point. This strategy involves leveraging local anchor institutions to foster economic resilience by maximizing community benefits through strategic procurement and employment practices. The potential benefits of this approach include enhanced local economic growth and stability, which could positively influence community health and wellbeing.

An interesting aspect of the community wealth building strategy is the inclusion of smaller local businesses and voluntary sector organizations. The council emphasized the importance of these entities in the local economy and their integral role in promoting community health.

This week's meeting highlighted a strategic approach to addressing complex community issues through integrated efforts across various sectors. The implications of these discussions are far-reaching, potentially setting a foundation for sustainable community development and improved health outcomes.

Recent meetings
Full Council

Full Council - Wednesday, 20th November, 2024 6.00 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

November 19, 2024
Cabinet

Cabinet - Thursday, 14th November, 2024 5.00 pm

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

November 14, 2024
Corporate Scrutiny Committee

Corporate Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 12th November, 2024 5.00 pm

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

November 12, 2024
Committee

Planning Committee - Tuesday, 5th November, 2024 4.00 pm

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

November 05, 2024
Licensing Committee CANCELLED

Licensing Committee - Monday, 4th November, 2024 4.00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

November 04, 2024
Health and Wellbeing Board

Health and Wellbeing Board - Thursday, 31st October, 2024 9.30 am

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

October 31, 2024
Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Children's Services, Education and Skills

Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Children's Services, Education and Skills - Thursday, 17th October, 2024 5.00 pm

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

October 17, 2024
Appointments and Employment Committee

Appointments and Employment Committee - Wednesday, 16th October, 2024 1.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

October 16, 2024
Local Pension Board

Local Pension Board - Wednesday, 16th October, 2024 2.00 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

October 16, 2024
Cabinet

Cabinet - Thursday, 10th October, 2024 5.00 pm

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

October 10, 2024
Upcoming meetings
Isle of Wight Pension Fund Committee

Isle of Wight Pension Fund Committee - Wednesday, 27th November, 2024 10.00 am

November 27, 2024