The Full Council of the Isles of Scilly met on Friday 29 May 2026 to consider a request for a councillor's absence, an update on children's services following an Ofsted monitoring visit, and the outcomes of a consultation on post-16 transport. The meeting also included reports for information on street trading deregulation and the Better Care Fund Plan for 2026/27.

Request to Consider Absence for Councillor R Dorrien-Smith

A report was scheduled for consideration regarding a request for a leave of absence for Councillor Robert Dorrien-Smith, Councillor for Tresco. The report outlined that Councillor Dorrien-Smith last attended a meeting on 16 December 2025, meaning approval for absence would be required before 16 June 2026 to avoid automatic forfeiture of his seat under Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972¹. The report indicated that the recommended leave of absence, for a period of up to six months from 16 June 2026, was due to a close family bereavement and recent ill health. The report recommended that Councillor Dorrien-Smith continue to receive his full allowances during any approved period of absence.

Update on Ofsted Monitoring Visit

The council was scheduled to receive an update on the Ofsted monitoring visit that took place on 10 and 11 March 2026, concerning Children's Services. The report indicated that the overall improvement trajectory had been impeded by a decline in the quality and effectiveness of social work practice and management oversight in the preceding six months. However, the report also noted that key safeguarding partners remained engaged and that leadership stability, improved resource capacity, and practice improvements were observed following the appointment of a permanent Director of Children's Services in March 2026. A new children and young people's plan had also been developed, providing a clearer understanding of improvement focus areas and resourcing requirements. The report detailed progress, including the appointment of a permanent Head of Children's Service and a permanent Adult Social Care Worker, the implementation of new governance and reporting mechanisms, and the creation of a shared co-working space for Adults and Children's Services teams. The report stated there were no new financial implications, with improvements being addressed using the 2026-27 Children's Services budget.

Post-16 Transport Policy Statement 2026/27 Consultation Outcomes

An update was scheduled regarding the consultation outcomes for the Post-16 Transport Policy Statement for 2026/27. This item was to be reported by the Director of People.

Executive Decision: Deregulation of Street Trading at Events

A report was presented for information concerning an executive decision made under Standing Order 34 regarding the deregulation of street trading at 'events' held on Council land. This decision was made by Chief Executive Russell Ashman on 10 April 2026, due to the inability to approve the new Street Trading Policy at a previous Licensing Committee meeting that was inquorate. The decision approved the insertion of an events exemption into the Council's Street Trading Policy. This exemption would mean that street traders who have received written permission from an event organiser or a contingent agency would not require a street trading consent to trade at an 'event' on council-owned land, for the duration of that event. The report clarified that this deregulation would not exempt traders from the control of the local authority to ensure safety and prevent nuisance, and that existing agreements for open spaces hire or road closures would still need to be complied with.

Executive Decision: Better Care Fund Plan 2026/27

The council was scheduled to be informed of an executive decision made under Standing Order 34 regarding the Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2026/27. This decision was made by Chief Executive Russell Ashman on 19 May 2026, as the plan required formal acceptance by 19 May 2026 and there was insufficient time to convene the Isles of Scilly Health and Wellbeing Board. The decision approved the Better Care Fund Plan for 2026-27 for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for submission to NHS England. Authority was also delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, for the submission of quarterly and end-of-year returns relating to the BCF. The report detailed the BCF's purpose, which is to pool funds between Integrated Care Boards and Local Authorities to meet policy objectives related to health and social care, particularly hospital discharge. For 2026-27, the plan involved a combined approach with Cornwall, with a total BCF income of £397,083.00. The plan outlined expenditure across various activities, including home-based intermediate care, wider local support for prevention and independence, and the Disabled Facilities Grant.