MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON WEDNESDAY, 12 MAY 2004 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

Present :

Mrs M A Jarman (Chairman), Mr J R Adams, Mr R R Barry, Mr A C Bartlett, Mr J A Bowker, Mrs T M Butchers, Mrs B D Clough, Mr A C Coburn, Mr J H Fleming, Mrs B E Foster, Mr E Fox, Mrs D Gardiner, Mr C M Gauntlett, Mr C R Hancock, Mr P G Harris, Mr J F Howe, Miss H L Humby, Mr P D Joyce, Mr G S Kendall, Mrs B Lawson, Mr C H Lillywhite, Mrs M J Lloyd, Mr R G Mazillius, Mrs M J Miller, Mr V J Morey, Mr A J Mundy, Mrs E Oulton, Mr R C Richards, Mrs S A Smart, Mr R A Sutton, Mr A A Taylor, Mrs J L Wareham, Mrs J White, Mr J A M D Whittaker, Mr D G Williams and Mr D T Yates

Apologies :

Mr B E Abraham, Mr B C Buckle, Mr C B W Chapman, Mr M J Cunningham, Mr J Effemey, Mr D J Knowles, Mr K Pearson, Mr G P Price, Mr H Rees, and Mr I R Stephens

17. MINUTES

RESOLVED :

THAT, subject to the word “Cannon” in fourth paragraph of minute 1 be amended to read “Canon”, the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 April 2004 be confirmed.

18. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations received at this stage.

19. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

A questions was put to the Chairman as follows :

Mr Wortham asked an oral question relating to the cost of the audio visual equipment in the Council Chamber. The Portfolio Holder for Resources agreed to speak to Mr Wortham after the meeting.

20. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

The Chairman explained that she had been to four civic days and at each event had promoted the Isle of Wight.

21. ANNUAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

The Portfolio Holder for Resources moved and it was seconded and then:

RESOLVED :

THAT the annual investment strategy be as set out in the report from the Portfolio Holder for Resources.

22. POLITICAL PROPORTIONALITY

The Leader moved an amendment to the scheme of Political Proportionality following the reduction in the size of the Select Committees from 12 to 9. The motion was seconded and it was

RESOLVED :

THAT the distribution of seats across the Committees be as set out in Appendix A and that the various seats be filled in accordance with the wishes of the various Groups.

23. EXECUTIVE

Recommendation of the Portfolio Holder for Childrens Services

The Portfolio Holder for Childrens Services moved the adoption of the Isle of Wight Adult and Community Learning Plan for 2004-2005. The motion was seconded and it was:

RESOLVED :

That the Isle of Wight Adult and Community Learning Plan for 2004-2005 and the three year development plan for 2004/07 be adopted.

24. HOUSING STRATEGY

Martyn Pearl, Head of Housing, gave a brief presentation on the Housing Strategy its targets and the actions to date.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult and Community Services moved a motion expressing the continued support for the Housing Strategy, the successful achievement of some of the targets and the need for the production of affordable houses.

The motion was seconded and a debate then took place during which various issues relating to Housing were raised but in particular the fact that the Housing Service was working in partnership with the Planning Service and the Housing Associations to ensure that the Strategy could continue to bo delivered.

Following the debate it was :

RESOLVED :

THAT the Council endorses the newly constructed strategy for housing services and commends the officers concerned for their efforts in its production. The Council is pleased to note the achievement of key B&B targets and recent announcements for additional funding to support the activities detailed in the strategy. The production of more affordable homes on the Island will be a priority which this Council will continue to support, working with partner agencies in ensuring a flourishing and sustainable Island community, with good housing and choice for all. The Council also welcomed the recent announcements with regard to additional funds that will assist in this process.

25. EXECUTIVE

Reports of the Portfolio Holders

(i) The Leader

The Leader informed the Council that a formal announcement from the Boundary Committee was still awaited.

The Leader then answered a number of oral questions relating to proposed petition for a Mayoral referendum.

(ii) The Deputy Leader

The Deputy Leader updated the Council on the production of the Performance Management Reports which had now been produced on a quarterly basis for a year.

The Deputy Leader then answered a number of oral questions.

(iii) Adult and Community Services

The Portfolio Holder updated the Council on the Corporate Parenting Policy and recommended that all members become fully acquainted with this. The ongoing work of PriceWaterhouse Coopers on the options for organisational reconfiguration was also explained.

The Portfolio Holder then answered a number of oral questions relating to these two issues and the success of the Recruitment and Retention team.

(iv) Childrens Services

The Portfolio Holder updated the Council on the Corporate Parenting Conference on 24 November, the progress on the organisational changes following the establishment of the Directorate of Childrens Services and the consultation process on the school re-organisation.

(v) Economic Development, UK and EU, Regional Issues

In the absence of the Portfolio Holder the Leader reported that the Portfolio Holder would give a full report at the next meeting of Council.

(vi) Fire, Emergency Planning and Consumer Protection

In the absence of the Portfolio Holder the Leader informed the Council that there were continuing concerns with the Police Control and these were to be discussed at the next meeting of the Police Authority.

The leader was asked to pass on to the Portfolio Holder issues relating to the loss of the Dorset Fire Control Room and the lack of senior officer Emergency Cover across the whole Council at weekends.

(vii) Resources

Following an oral question the Portfolio Holder agreed to provide to a member the policy on redundant IT equipment and the cost to the Council of IT in the last financial year. The Portfolio Holder also agreed to look into the establishment if a dress code for Council meetings.

(viii) Sustainable Development, Environment and Planning Policy

The Portfolio Holder informed the Council that the Coast Protection works at the Duver Seaview had won a conservation award. She also updated the Council on the latest position regarding the consultation on some new Supplementary Planning Guidance and the increase in the workload on the Development Control section of the Planning Service.

The Portfolio Holder answered oral questions relating to the planned Supplementary Planning Guidance and the successful works undertaken at the Duver Seaview.

(ix) Tourism and Leisure

The Portfolio Holder updated the Council on the new head of Tourism who had commenced work this week, the sale of the tickets for the isle of Wight Music Festival and the progress of the Wight Leisure Project.

The Portfolio Holder answered an oral question relating to the proposed change of use of hotels to Residential Care Homes.

(x) Transport

The Portfolio Holder submitted a written report and updated the Council on the release of additional capital funds to the Council for road repairs and the success of the Engineering Services in achieving ISO 9000 accreditation.

The Portfolio Holder then answered a number of oral questions relating to road repairs.

The meeting closed at 12.54 pm

CHAIRMAN

Appendix A

April 2004

PROPORTIONALITY ACROSS COMMITTEES

	Total No. of Seats	Island First	Con.	Labour	Mrs Foster	Mr Buckle	Mr Mazillius	Mr Bowker	Mrs Lawson
Executive (NOT Proportionate)	10	10	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Licensing	10(+3)	8	4	1+		1*
Development Control	14(+6)	11	6	1	1				1
Regulatory Appeals Committee	15	8	4	1		1*	1
Childrens Services	9	5	3	1
Adult and Community Services	9	5	2	1			1
Environment, Transport etc	9	5	3	0				1#
Economic Development etc	9	5	2	1				1
Resources	9	5	2	1					1
Fire and Public Safety	9	5	3	0	1
Standards	2(+3)	3	1	1
HR Committee	7	4	2	1

* allocated to Mr Buckle but not filled by the Council.

+ filled by Mr Mazillius on behalf of the Labour Group.

#allocated to Mr Bowker but not filled at his request.