The Full Council meeting on Thursday, 24 September 2026, discussed a range of important issues, including the Children and Young People's Plan, a significant funding application to the Arts Council England, and changes to the council's audit committee structure. Decisions were made regarding the Arts Council funding application and the establishment of the Audit and Governance Committee.

Children and Young People's Plan

The council discussed the draft Children and Young People's Plan (CYPP) for 2026-2029. This plan, developed over twelve months with extensive community engagement, aims to improve outcomes for children and young people on the Isles of Scilly. The plan is structured around four key priorities: Best Start in Life, Aspiration, Independence and Adulthood, Belonging and Inclusion, and Strengthening Families.

During the consultation period, residents expressed broad support for the plan's ambitions, with high agreement levels for all four priority themes. However, feedback also highlighted significant concerns regarding the practical pressures faced by families, including housing, childcare, and financial hardship. Young people specifically emphasised the need for better preparation for mainland education and adulthood, alongside a stronger voice in shaping services.

Key delivery actions that received strong support included providing simple, stigma-free information about support services, increasing childcare capacity and flexibility, delivering life-skills programmes, and addressing poor housing conditions. The plan also aims to strengthen participation structures, including the development of a Youth Council, to ensure ongoing co-production with children, young people, and families. The council approved the CYPP for publication and agreed that oversight for its delivery would be undertaken by the Improvement Board.

Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation Application

The council considered a report regarding an application for National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status and funding from the Arts Council England (ACE) for the Town Hall Museum and Cultural Centre. This funding, potentially ranging from £100,000 to £150,000 per year over five years, is crucial for the ongoing sustainability of the facility, which is set to open in April 2027.

The NPO funding is tied to ACE's Let's Create strategy and is highly competitive. To maximise the chances of success, the council was asked to support an application, with two options presented: either the Isles of Scilly Museum Association (IOSMA) making the application, or the Council making it on their behalf if IOSMA was unable to. The council approved supporting IOSMA's application, with the Council acting as a fallback applicant if requested. Delegated authority was granted to the Strategic Director for Place, Economy and Environment to submit the application and accept funding if successful.

Additionally, the council approved the appointment of Councillor Tim Dean, Lead Member for Housing & Corporate Estate, as an observer on the IOSMA Board of Trustees to oversee governance and operational matters. Councillor Dean and Councillor Robert Francis, Lead Member for Economy, Tourism & Transport, were also approved for appointment to the Isles of Scilly Cultural Manifesto Delivery group, which is expected to be established in early 2027.

Audit Committee Requirements

Following changes to legislation by the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, all category one authorities are now required to have a named audit committee. The council discussed a report proposing that the existing Governance Committee be renamed the Audit and Governance Committee and formally appointed as the council's Audit Committee. This committee will exercise the functions set out in the Act, including reviewing financial affairs, risk management, internal control, governance arrangements, and the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of resource use.

Minor updates to the committee's terms of reference were also approved. Preparatory steps will be taken to recruit an independent lay member for the committee, as anticipated by future regulations. The council approved the renaming of the committee, the changes to its terms of reference, and delegated authority to the Monitoring Officer to make consequential amendments to the Council's Standing Orders.

Housing Service Annual Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report

The council received the Housing Service Annual Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report for 2025-2026. The report indicated a low number of complaints, with only one new Stage 1 complaint received during the year, which related to repairs and communication and was upheld. Lessons learned from this complaint have led to improvements in case handover procedures during staff transitions. The council also noted that its Housing Ombudsman Complaints Handling Code self-assessment was completed and approved. Members noted the report, approved amendments to the Feedback Policy for clarity, and approved the annual Self-Assessment for Complaint Handling.

External Appointment to the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Visitor Economy Partnership

The council discussed the formation of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Visitor Economy Partnership (CIoS VEP), a new body established to provide strategic leadership for the visitor economy sector. The council was invited to nominate an elected member to this partnership. It was recommended and approved that the Lead Member for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Councillor Robert Francis, be appointed as the council's representative. The Monitoring Officer was granted delegated authority to make necessary amendments to the Council's Standing Orders to reflect this appointment.

Planning Applications

Several planning applications were discussed and decided upon:

• P/26/064/FUL - Construction of a padel court at New Grimsby, Tresco: Planning permission was granted for the construction of a padel court. The development was considered to complement existing recreational facilities and contribute to the visitor economy, with appropriate conditions regarding biodiversity net gain and habitat management.
• P/26/042 & P/26/043 (St Agnes) and P/26/044 & P/26/045 (St Martin's) - Installation of micro wind turbine and solar power system for K6 Telephone Kiosks: Planning permission and listed building consent were refused for the installation of renewable energy systems at two Grade II listed K6 telephone kiosks. The decision was based on the identified harm to the significance of the designated heritage assets, with insufficient evidence provided to demonstrate that the public benefits outweighed this harm.
• P/26/030/FUL - Land at Borough, Tresco: This planning application was for a development at Borough, Tresco. The outcome of this application was not explicitly detailed in the provided text, but it was listed on the agenda.

A schedule of delegated planning applications was also presented for information, detailing numerous applications that had been granted, refused, or were pending.

Town Hall Redevelopment Project Update

An update was provided on the Town Hall redevelopment project. Progress was reported to be largely in line with the programme, with a completion date of 28 April 2027. Mechanical and engineering works, as well as partitioning, had commenced. The report highlighted that the council had secured the necessary additional funding for the project, including a successful application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for £2,922,054. Engagement with the Arts Council England regarding future revenue funding opportunities was also noted.

Other Matters

The council also received reports for information only on the Schedule of Delegated Planning Applications and the Town Hall redevelopment project update.