The FULL COUNCIL of the Isles of Scilly Council met on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, including the Council's financial performance, proposed disposals of council property, and the adoption of new standing orders. The meeting also included a review of the Corporate Plan and a report on child poverty.

Standing Orders

The Council was scheduled to consider proposed amendments to its Standing Orders, as reported by the Monitoring Officer. These amendments aimed to clarify procedures for decision-making concerning human resource matters related to the Chief Executive. The proposed changes, which had been considered by the Governance Committee, sought to establish clear protocols for both day-to-day HR matters and more significant decisions, potentially involving a panel of five members for the latter.

Director of Public Health Annual Report: Child Poverty

A significant item on the agenda was the Director of Public Health Annual Report for 2025/2026, which focused on the pressing issue of child poverty in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The report, co-authored with the Strategic Director for Together for Families, highlighted the pervasive impact of poverty on children's health, wellbeing, education, and future aspirations. It noted that over 27,000 children in the region are growing up in relative poverty, with a particular focus on the unique challenges faced by families on the Isles of Scilly, such as geographical isolation and high living costs. The report presented a series of locally informed recommendations and served as a call to action for collaborative efforts to prevent and mitigate the effects of child poverty.

2024/25 Statement of Accounts and Annual Governance Statement

The Council was due to consider the 2024/25 Statement of Accounts and the Annual Governance Statement. These documents, reported by the Chief Executive & Section 151 Officer, are crucial for providing an overview of the Council's financial position and the effectiveness of its governance arrangements for the past financial year.

Q3 2025-26 Financial Performance

The meeting was scheduled to review the Council's financial performance for the third quarter of the 2025-26 financial year. This report, also from the Chief Executive & Section 151 Officer, would provide an update on the Council's financial standing, likely detailing income and expenditure against budget.

Proposed Disposal of the Old Museum, Church Street, St Mary's

A report from the Strategic Director of Place, Economy and Environment concerned the proposed disposal of the Old Museum site on Church Street, St Mary's. The building has been vacant since 2019 due to structural concerns, and a replacement facility is under construction as part of the Town Hall redevelopment. The report was expected to outline the rationale for disposal, potential redevelopment options, and the process for achieving vacant possession.

New Care Home - Heads of Terms and Fit Out Costs

The Strategic Director of Place, Economy and Environment was also scheduled to present a report on the Heads of Terms and fit-out costs for a new care home. This item would likely detail the proposed lease arrangements with Cornwall Foundation Trust (CFT) for space within an integrated health and social care hub, as well as the budget for initial setup costs, fixtures, and fittings. The report aimed to ensure a smooth transition into the new facility, which is critical for maintaining on-island care services.

Heads of Terms for Town Hall Redevelopment

Another report from the Strategic Director of Place, Economy and Environment focused on the Heads of Terms for the Town Hall redevelopment. This item would provide further details to inform an updated draft lease and related agreements for the new facility, which is intended to house the Isles of Scilly Museum Association as the new operator for the Cultural Centre and Museum. The report was also expected to address ongoing landlord-related budget requirements and a potential capital grant to the Isles of Scilly Museum Association for the purchase of storage facilities.

Commercial Waste Subscription Service Fees 2026-2027

The Head of Environment was scheduled to present proposed fees for the Commercial Waste Subscription Service for the 2026-2027 financial year. This report would outline the pricing structure for residual waste and recycling collections, including services on the off-islands. The proposal aimed to align with the Council's financial principle of full cost recovery for trade waste.

Corporate Plan (2022-2026) Close-down Report

A report from the Corporate Services and Communications Officer concerned the close-down of the Corporate Plan 2022-2026. This item would present the Council's final assessment of progress made against the objectives and promises set out in the plan, ahead of the introduction of a new Corporate Plan. The report was expected to detail which objectives were achieved, which remained achievable, and which were unachievable, as well as an assessment of the promises made to the community.

Council Performance Summary and Corporate Risk Register: Quarter 3 2025/26

The Policy and Scrutiny Officer was due to present the Council's performance summary and corporate risk register for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. This report would provide an update on the Council's performance against its objectives and highlight key risks that have been identified and are being managed.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman: Annual Review Letter 2024-25

The Monitoring Officer was scheduled to present the annual review letter from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. This report would provide statistics on complaints received about the Council and the outcomes of any investigations.

Schedule of Delegated Planning Applications

The Trainee Planning Officer was due to present a schedule of delegated planning applications. This report is typically for information only and lists planning applications that have been registered and/or determined under delegated powers since the previous schedule was published.

Exempt Information Reports

The agenda also indicated that there would be items containing exempt information, relating to the award of contracts for the Park House redevelopment and the Ennor Farm Housing Site groundworks contract. These items would be considered in private, with the public excluded from the meeting.