The Scrutiny Committee of the Council of the Isles of Scilly met on Friday 12 June 2026 to discuss several key areas. The meeting's agenda included updates on the Children's Services Improvement Plan, the proposed adoption of a 5-year Community Risk Management Plan for the Fire & Rescue Service, and the ongoing housing crisis. Additionally, the committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Integrated Health Facility and Adult Care Services.

Progress Update on Children's Services Improvement Plan

The committee was scheduled to consider a report providing a summary of progress against the Children's Services Improvement Plan. This plan was developed following Ofsted's assessment of Children's Services as inadequate in 2023. The report was intended to offer a realistic assessment of current performance, highlight areas of risk, and detail actions being taken to address them. The plan focuses on four core themes: The Right Help at the Right Time, Child's Voice and Social Work Practice, Effective Services and Provision, and Leadership, Management and Quality Assurance. Key priority actions include embedding the Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance, implementing a consistent Early Help approach, improving data and quality assurance systems, and strengthening multi-agency safeguarding practice. The report indicated that revisions to the plan had resulted in a downgrading of most progress ratings, with 43.5% of actions showing little or no progress and 46.15% having work started but with timescales at risk.

Isles of Scilly Fire & Rescue Service - Proposal to Adopt a 5-Year Community Risk Management Plan

A report was presented outlining a proposal for the Isles of Scilly Fire & Rescue Service (IOSFRS) to adopt a 5-year Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), moving away from the current 3-year cycle. This change is intended to align with broader council strategies, provide greater stability and continuity, and achieve efficiency gains by reducing the frequency of plan redevelopment and formal consultation. The CRMP is a statutory requirement under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, requiring authorities to identify and assess community risks and outline mitigation strategies. The report recommended that Full Council approve this transition, noting that the plan would be developed and delivered in-house by IOSFRS to ensure local knowledge and expertise are utilised.

Housing Delivery: Update on Housing Crisis

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the housing crisis declared by the Council in January 2022. The Local Plan identifies a requirement for approximately 105 new homes between 2015 and 2030, with only 26 homes commenced or completed against permissions granted for 75. The report highlighted a significant unmet housing need, with 41 individuals on the housing register and 41 on a self-build register. A Housing and Economic Needs Assessment (HENA) report indicated that housing is the single biggest factor affecting community stability, public service continuity, and economic resilience on the islands. Residents frequently experience issues such as damp, mould, and overcrowding, with some relying on short-term or makeshift accommodation. The report detailed progress on various housing delivery sites, including developments at Carn Thomas Secondary School, land adjacent to Ennor Farm, and the Park House redevelopment.

Update on Integrated Health Facility and Adult Care Services

The committee was to be updated on the progress of the new integrated health and social care facility, the 'Isles of Scilly Health and Care Partnership', due for completion in 2026. This facility aims to modernise service delivery through an integrated model of care, bringing together multidisciplinary teams. Weekly Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings are already in place, involving health, social care, and medical services from the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall, to coordinate care planning and risk assessment. A shared co-working space at Carn Gwaval has also been established to foster collaboration between Adult and Children's Services. The report also addressed the transition to the new residential care home, Islands' View, noting a delay due to a CQC inspection.

The update also covered Adult Care Services, highlighting the significant ageing demographic and complex care needs on the islands. Park House, the current care home, operates at full capacity, and demand for domiciliary care services is increasing. The report detailed the current service provision, including staffing levels and the focus on supporting adults to maintain independence. Key considerations included the workforce, with a high reliance on agency staff and ongoing recruitment challenges, and the potential development of a day service at Islands' View, which is currently not possible due to space limitations and CQC requirements. The report also noted the lack of flexibility for respite or emergency admissions due to full occupancy and outlined plans for dementia care within Islands' View, which will cater for mild to moderate dementia but not advanced cases.