This week in Isles of Scilly:

Shellfish Fishing Under Review: New Byelaw Could Change Local Practices

The Isles of Scilly Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority (IFCA) met on October 20, 2025, to discuss a potential new byelaw impacting crustacean shellfish fishing in the region. Link to Isles of Scilly Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority (IFCA) Agenda

Protecting Lobster and Crab Stocks

The proposed byelaw aims to manage crustacean fishing, which is the primary activity for the local commercial fleet. In 2024, approximately 65 tonnes of lobsters, edible crabs, and crawfish were landed. The Isles of Scilly Fishermen's Association requested the authority investigate developing a shellfish permit byelaw.

• Bottom-Up Approach: The report pack stated that a bottom-up approach to developing management has many advantages.
• National Alignment: The report pack also noted the importance of supporting the implementation of the national Crab & Lobster Fishery Management Plan (FMP).
• Potential Impact: This byelaw could introduce new regulations on shellfish fishing, potentially affecting the livelihoods of local fishermen and the availability of seafood.

Interim Chief Fisheries Officer's Report Highlights Key Activities

The Interim Chief Fisheries Officer's report provided an update on various activities and initiatives.

• Bottom Towed Gears: There had only been two requests this year for Isles of Scilly IFCA Fishing Gear Permit Byelaw permits to use bottom towed gears in the district, and of the two issued, only one had been exercised.
• iVMS Consultation: A consultation is underway regarding changes to permit conditions, including the type of iVMS¹ units required and restrictions on fishing times for vessels using dredges.
• Survey Success: Cornwall IFCA's² survey vessel was chartered in August to carry out a subsea imaging survey in the district.
• Recreational Potting: Recreational potting has been busy again this year with a total of 230 permits being issued, 37 more than at this time last year.
• Tuna Landings: To date there have been 10 Atlantic bluefin tuna landed into St Mary's with sizes ranging from 78 to 202kgs.
• At Sea Patrols: A number of at sea patrols have been carried since the last meeting with some associated inspections, and that they have spent some time ensuring that oversized vessels aren't fishing in the district.
• MPA Investigation: In September, the MMO³ Conservation team visited Scilly as part of their investigation into non licensable activity in six priority MPAs⁴, Isles of Scilly SAC being one of the six.

Previous Meeting Minutes Reveal Key Decisions

The minutes of the previous meeting, held on June 24, 2025, highlighted several important decisions.

• Leadership Appointments: Councillor Andrew Guy was appointed as Chairman of the Isles of Scilly IFCA for the ensuing year, and T Allsop was appointed as Vice-Chairman.
• Budget and Constitution: The budget forecast for financial year 2025- 2026 was noted, and the Isles of Scilly IFCA Constitution Version 3 was approved and adopted.
• Annual Plan: The Annual Plan 2025-2026 was approved and adopted.
• Fishing Gear Permit: Approval was given to the revised Fishing Gear Permit Byelaw 2021 byelaw permit conditions and approve that the revised conditions were presented for stakeholder consultation.

This week in Isles of Scilly:

Council to Review Flood Risk Strategy Amid Climate Concerns

The FULL COUNCIL met on October 14, 2025, to discuss a range of issues, with a significant focus on the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy 2025-2031. Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda

Preparing for Rising Tides

Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, the Council of the Isles of Scilly, as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), has a legal duty to develop a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS). This strategy outlines how the council will manage flood risks over the next six years.

• Public Consultation: The council reviewed the results of a public consultation on the draft strategy, indicating community involvement in shaping flood management plans.
• Strategic Objectives: The LFRMS sets out key objectives for reducing flood risk, including improving drainage infrastructure, protecting vulnerable areas, and raising public awareness.
• Climate Change Impact: The strategy acknowledges the increasing threat of flooding due to climate change and rising sea levels, emphasizing the need for proactive measures.

This strategy is crucial for protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure on the Isles of Scilly from the devastating impacts of flooding. Given the islands' vulnerability to rising sea levels, effective flood risk management is essential for the long-term sustainability of the community.

Adult Social Care Services Receive Good Rating

The council also discussed the findings of a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Adult Social Services, which took place on September 19, 2025. Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda

Positive Assessment

The CQC's overall rating for the Isles of Scilly was Good, with a total score of 70. Inspectors found that people's experiences of services were generally positive, with timely assessments, reviews, safeguarding, and care.

• Areas for Development: The CQC report also identified areas for improvement, which the council will need to address to further enhance the quality of care.
• Impact on Vulnerable Adults: This inspection provides assurance that vulnerable adults on the Isles of Scilly are receiving good quality care and support.
• Continuous Improvement: The council is committed to addressing the areas for development identified by the CQC to ensure that services continue to improve.

This positive assessment reflects the hard work and dedication of social care staff on the Isles of Scilly, who provide vital support to vulnerable adults in the community.

Planning Enforcement Plan Adopted to Combat Unauthorised Development

The council considered the adoption of an Enforcement Plan 2025, emphasizing the importance of effective planning enforcement. Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda

Upholding Planning Regulations

The National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) highlight the need for robust planning enforcement to maintain the integrity of the planning system.

• Investigating Unauthorised Development: The Enforcement Plan sets out the council's approach to investigating alleged cases of unauthorised development.
• Equality Impact Assessment: An Equality Impact Assessment was conducted to ensure that the Enforcement Plan does not disproportionately affect any particular groups.
• Protecting the Environment: Effective planning enforcement is crucial for protecting the unique environment and heritage of the Isles of Scilly from inappropriate development.

This plan aims to ensure that planning regulations are upheld, protecting the environment and character of the Isles of Scilly for future generations.

Other Matters

• Health and Wellbeing Board: The council was scheduled to consider revised terms of reference for the Isles of Scilly Health and Wellbeing Board, and the Cornwall Health and Wellbeing Board and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Partnership (Committee in Common). Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda
• Children's Services: Councillors were scheduled to discuss the appointment of a new Lead Member for Children and the recruitment process for a Director of Children's and Adult Services. Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda
• Local Planning Authority's Annual Monitoring Report: The council was scheduled to consider the Local Planning Authority's Annual Monitoring Report (AMR18) 2024-25, outlining progress on housing delivery, infrastructure, heritage, and environmental matters. Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda
• Isles of Scilly Economic Strategy: The council was scheduled to discuss the review process for the Isles of Scilly Economic Strategy. Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Isles of Scilly Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority (IFCA) on Monday 20 October 2025 will discuss the Chief Officer's report, and a crustacean shellfish byelaw. Link to Isles of Scilly Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority (IFCA) Agenda

This week in Isles of Scilly:

Fire Service Improvements and CQC Findings Under Scrutiny

The Scrutiny Committee met on October 9, 2025, to discuss the Isles of Scilly Fire & Rescue Service (IOSFRS) and the outcomes of a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection. Link to Scrutiny Committee Agenda

Fire Service Faces Scrutiny

The committee reviewed the HMICFRS Inspection Report 2023-25, which assessed the IOSFRS's effectiveness, efficiency, and how well it looks after its people. His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) graded the service as 'Good' in several areas, but identified areas needing improvement.

• Areas for Improvement: The report highlighted the need for better access to risk-critical information for firefighters, improved oversight of prevention work, a clearer prevention strategy, and more robust equality impact assessments¹.
• Strengths Noted: The report acknowledged the IOSFRS's well-structured Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), improved risk information gathering, and effective partnership with Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS).
• Annual Assurance: The committee also reviewed the IOSFRS Annual Assurance Statement 2024-25, confirming the council's compliance with the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004² and other relevant legislation.
• CRMP Extension: Councillors discussed extending the current CRMP to March 2027, citing the IOSFRS's reliance on CFRS for its production and the need to address inspection findings.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Outcomes

The committee was scheduled to receive a report from the Interim Director of Children's and Adults Services regarding the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection outcomes.

The outcomes of this meeting could influence the future direction of the IOSFRS and impact the safety and well-being of residents.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a summary of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• FULL COUNCIL on Tuesday 14 October 2025 will discuss health and wellbeing, children's services, adult social care, local planning, flood risk management and the local economy. Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda
• Isles of Scilly Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority (IFCA) on Monday 20 October 2025. Link to Isles of Scilly Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority (IFCA) Agenda

This week in Isles of Scilly:

Local Plan Review Kicks Off Amid National Policy Overhaul

The Full Council was scheduled to meet on July 30, 2025, to discuss a range of issues, including the commencement of a review of the Isles of Scilly Local Plan. Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda

• Outdated Plan: The current Local Plan, adopted in March 2021, is approaching the end of its 5-year post-adoption period in March 2026.
• New National Policies: The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA) introduces a new plan-making system, with national policies (National Development Management Policies) carrying the same weight as local plans.
• Financial Implications: The council was scheduled to approve drawing £64,397 from the Planning Reserve to fund the Local Plan activity in 2025/26.
• Grant Applications: The Chief Planning Officer was to be authorised to apply for relevant local plan grants to secure additional funding.

This review is crucial for shaping the future development of the Isles of Scilly, balancing local needs with evolving national policies. The outcome will directly impact housing, infrastructure, and environmental protection on the islands.

Council's Carbon Footprint Shrinks Dramatically

The council was also scheduled to consider the Annual Carbon Report (2025), highlighting progress towards net zero targets. Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda

• Exceeding Targets: The council has reportedly achieved a 75% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions since the 2019/2020 baseline year.
• Zero-Carbon Energy: This significant reduction is primarily attributed to the council's decision to switch to a zero-carbon energy tariff in 2023/2024.
• Community Partnership: The council was to endorse a Partnership Agreement with the Isles of Scilly Community Venture Community Interest Company to support long-term sustainability.
• Delegated Authority: The Section 151 Officer was to be granted delegated authority to authorise climate change funding applications over £50,000.

This report demonstrates the council's commitment to environmental sustainability and its potential to serve as a model for other communities.

Planning Application Validation Process Under Review

The council was scheduled to discuss a report on the Local Validation Checklist for Planning Applications. Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda

• Statutory Requirement: Local Validation Checklists must be reviewed every two years under the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015.
• Public Consultation: A 6-week public consultation on the revised checklist was to be approved.
• Delegated Authority: The Chief Planning Officer was to be granted delegated authority to make minor amendments and adopt the checklist following the consultation.

This review ensures that the planning application process remains efficient and transparent, benefiting both developers and residents.

Other Matters

• Planning Applications: The council was scheduled to consider several planning applications, including a request to vary conditions at Trelawney Guest House to allow permanent accommodation, amendments to the Town Hall cultural centre project, and construction of an extension at the Co-operative Store on Hugh Street. Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda
• Delegated Planning Applications: The council was scheduled to receive a report on delegated planning applications, including modifications to a Section 106 agreement at Ocean Lea and alterations to the Bishop & Wolf pub. Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda
• Financial Performance: The council was scheduled to consider the Financial Performance Q1 2025 report of the Chief Executive & S151 Officer. Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda
• Annual Carbon Report: The council was scheduled to consider the Annual Carbon Report (2025). Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda
• St Mary's Airport: The council was scheduled to review St Mary's Airport. Link to FULL COUNCIL Agenda