Annual Report No. 5

Paul Fuller

Independent Isle of Wight Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard.

PUTTING YOUR NEEDS FIRST

To contact me:

By Post to: 74 Wyatts Lane, Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 8QA.

By Telephone to: 01983 289595 (24 hours)/ 07 935 090 835 (Mobile); By Email to: paulfulleriw@gmail.com

Please visit my webpage: paulfullercc.blogspot.com

Visits and Surgeries.

Please contact me if you require support.  I’m happy to meet at a time which suits you, alternatively please visit my surgeries (No appointment is necessary).  As a rule of thumb surgeries are currently held, as follows:

4:30-5pm on the 1^st Tuesday of each month at Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm on the 1^st Tuesday of each month at The Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm on the 2^nd Thursday of each month at The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm on the 3^rd or 4^th Wednesday each month at the Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard. [March-December]

3-3:30pm on the 3^rd or 4^th Wednesday each month at Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

6-6:30pm on the last Thursday of each month at The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Annual Report, April 2014.

This is my fifth annual report and summarises my work as your councillor for the past 12 months.

This report is delivered to every household within the ward.  If you feel that, having read my report I am not meeting your expectations as local councillor, and if there are issues you consider I should be doing better, please let me know!

Firstly, I wish to say thank-you to residents who re-elected me last year to represent our communities wishes at County Hall.  It is very much appreciated and I feel ever grateful for our communities support!

Last May, the Isle of Wight became the only local authority in the country to be controlled by a non-party aligned ‘Independent’ group.  As part of the Island Independent administration, it remains my commitment to see all 40 Councillors working together for the betterment of the Island, regardless of political or non-political affiliations.

If you wish to know more about my work, I write monthly reports. These are available at meetings of Cowes Town Council, Gurnard Parish Council and are available from Cowes Library and Gurnard Village Hall. Reports feature on paulfullercc.blogspot.com, whilst edited versions feature in the Cowes Magazine and Gurnard News.

Isle of Wight Council Budget.

Over the next 3 years, the IW Council will need to make £28m worth of savings.  In order to meet this, local authorities could reduce services, increase fees, share resources with the private sector/ public bodies and rely much more upon Town and Parish Councils to take up the delivery of those ‘non-statutory’ functions, which are considered of most value to local communities.

In February, Full Council resolved to increase Council Tax by the 1.99%. This was the first increase in Council Tax since 2010.

Councillors across the political spectrum at County Hall agreed this was necessary, given the pressures over the coming years.  Even with this increase, I consider that it will be a considerable challenge to find the savings needed within adult social care, given the level of support required for our aging population which increases considerably each year on the Island.

Because Town and Parish Councils are not capped by Government, and because Cowes and Gurnard are considering transferring some functions from the Isle of Wight Council, the overall increase for this year for Cowes residents will be 3.47%, whilst in Gurnard the increase will be 2.09%.  It should be noted that Cowes’ precept was until this year, lower than most other areas, hence the increase this year

In a Nutshell: Some of the issues I’ve been pursuing since last year:

For details of these and other issues which I’ve been pursuing, please visit paulfullercc.blogspot.com  

April 2013.

·         March and April was spent canvassing. During this period, I door-stepped every household and discussed issues with over 1000 residents.

·         Residents were notified following a new application to develop on land, rear of properties in Worsley Road.

·         Following resident feedback, I made representations to Planners to remove Gurnard’s settlement boundary.

·         I voted against Planning Officers recommendation to approve the demolition of Hamlet Court, Cowes. This decision was later upheld by the Planning Inspectorate.

May.

·         Place Road was one of the first roads to be resurfaced by Island Roads. Unfortunately the quality of work fell below standard, and payment was not accrued.

·         Following being re-elected, I made it a priority to discuss residents’ concerns over highways issues.

·         I informally was invited to attend the Governing body of Cowes Enterprise College as an observer.

·         The Coastal Path between Thorness and Gurnard re-opened following a landslip occurring during the spring.

June.

·         Action was necessary, following issues raised over grass cutting.

·         I requested Worsley Road’s Planning decision was delayed, to allow consideration of feedback from Gurnard’s recent Housing Needs Survey.

·         I arranged a meeting to discuss updating the IW Council’s Parking strategy.

·         I supported giving Full voting rights to the Town/ Parish Council rep. on the  Overview & Scrutiny Committee 

July.

·         A meeting took place with Highways Officers to resolve the level of driving incidents in Rew Street, Gurnard

·         Consultation took place with Albert Road residents following parking concerns. Because of difficulty finding a consistent view, further action could not be agreed.

·         Environmental Health were called out following impromptu fire work displays. Following these incidents, I am now in dialogue with organisers.

August.

·         I received feedback regarding an offer made to divert the Coastal Path at Gurnard, following concerns of land stability. This proposal would later be rejected following 180 residents opposing proposals.

·         I joined MP, Andrew Turner at his Summer Surgeries in Cowes and Gurnard.

September.

·         Letters were sent to all residents who commented on the housing proposal for Worsley Road.  Despite the proposal being approved, conditions were included to overcome some issues raised by objectors.

·         A decision was taken by local contractors to share asphalt production on St Georges Down, rather than on the River Medina as originally intended.

·         The new administration at County Hall reconfirmed its commitment to invest in Fast Broadband for rural areas.

·         Action was taken to address dog fouling in Baring Road.

October.

·         Police & Highways Officers met with myself and reps. from Gurnard Primary School following complaints received by local residents and parents.

·         A Planning Application was submitted to develop land between Place Road & Tuttons Hill.  I worked with Cllr. John Nicholson to feedback information to residents. (By December 275 residents would respond)

·         Fees were put in place on the Community Bus for fare paying passengers.  I took action to ensure the £2 each way fare was halved.

November.

·         I felt privileged to lay wreaths at Remembrance Services at both Cowes and Gurnard.

·         I supported proposals to redevelop the Grand Hotel site in Sandown, given local opinion.

·         Following my appointment as Governor, I was invited to experience lessons at Cowes Enterprise College.

·         The Sea Wall and Beach Huts were damaged by winter storms at Gurnard.

December.

·         After supporting campaigners, I was advised plans to withdraw blood donation in Cowes had been shelved.

·         I arranged a drop-in session for Parents of children at Gurnard Primary School and local residents following a ‘solution’ being drafted by Highways Officers.

·         OFSTED reported improvements at Cowes Enterprise College.

·         I moved the proposal to refuse one of the Island’s largest planning applications at Pennyfeathers, Ryde.

January 2014.

·         DEFRA re-consulted on proposals to include the Isle of Wight within the Maritime & Coastal Access Act.

·         I worked closely with the IW Council’s Cabinet Member to create safer crossing points for horse-riders.

·         I co-chaired meetings with Ferry Users and Operators, to see improvements in dialogue between both parties.

February.

·         Consultation continued regarding this year’s budget. A surgery was held at the IW Community Club, and discussions took place with residents on proposals.

·         I actively supported proposals for Assisted Area Status. If successful, this will increase funding opportunities for the Island’s Economic Infrastructure.

·         I arranged for questions being put at Scrutiny to Island Roads following concerns over progress.

·         I helped arrange a meeting called to discuss proposals to levy extra charges on Cowes Floating Bridge.

March.

·         Discussions continue to divert the Cowes Community Bus to serve Aldi, following resident’s requests.

·         In light of evidence gathered and feedback received, I’ve requested future housing numbers are lowered.

·         The Coastal Path at Gurnard was closed following cliff erosion. Discussions to reinstate a path are ongoing.

·         Cllr John Nicholson and I held a joint surgery at the IW Community Club with Island Roads.

·         A revised planning application was submitted for 90 homes in Place Road…

Representing our Community in County Hall, rather than County Hall in our Community:

Despite attendance at County Hall, my priority continues to be to serve Cowes and Gurnard residents on a Full-time basis. As Local Councillor, I prefer to retain my interest across the range of services provided by the Isle of Wight Council and in the last 5 years I have attended more IW Council summoned meetings than any other IW Councillor.

Over the last year, I’ve been a member of seven key IW Council Committees, these are as follows:

·         Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

On re-election last May, I took the decision to remain as an active member of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

The ruling Independent Group felt Overview & Scrutiny seemed powerless, when in the past, the ruling group dominated membership of this committee.  For this reason, I supported the structure was altered to enable non-Independents to have a majority vote to call-in proposals being discussed.

In addition to this O&S meets before Cabinet (rather than after) and its membership has been strengthened by one voting member from the IW Association of Local Councils.

·         Economy and Environment Scrutiny.

Last year I was privileged to chair this Scrutiny Panel.

As Chairman, I’ve invited Island residents to Scrutiny Panel, understanding contrary to popular belief Councillors are not always experts…

Over the past year we have acted upon advice of the local Business Community, the Youth Council, the MP’s Office and Public Transport Users.

Some of the issues the Panel has scrutinised include Car Parking, Highways Issues, Superfast Broadband and Public Transport

In close partnership with the Chairman of Overview & Scrutiny I co-chaired meetings with Ferry User’s and Operators. This resulted in positive outcomes, which included building dialogue between users and operators.    

·         Children and Young People Scrutiny.

One of the IW Council’s main priorities continues to be to raise educational standards for young people and raising aspirations of the Island’s population. It has been cited, this is a disincentive for businesses and those able to invest into the Isle of Wight locating here.

With support of Hampshire County Council school attainment improved, whilst rates of absenteeism improved by 2%.

In addition to this, work has been necessary to improve Child Safeguarding concerns raised by OFSTED, in the term of the last Council. This has and will require a substantial amount of investment to put right issues raised, and is subject to significant scrutiny.

·         Appeals Panel.

This Panel consists of three councillors and in the last year has determined Village Green Applications and Appeals for access to School Transport.

·         Regulatory Meetings: Planning.

Locally, Planning continues to be a significant challenge.

For this reason, wherever possible I urge residents who are considering submitting planning applications, to liaise closely with neighbours.  This often allows an opportunity to iron-out conflicting issues at an early stage.

In recent years, Government has helped to simplify the Planning process. Last year’s Growth & Infrastructure Act, extended Permitted Development rights which continues to cause considerable concern to many residents

The IW Council continues to review, monitor and update the Island Plan, with recent consultations taking place.

In March, I was appointed Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council’s Planning Committee.

·         Regulatory Meetings: Licensing Committee.

In recent years, powers to monitor Licencing Applications have increased.

A Sub-Committee comprising of three members will determine applications for Musical Events and Festivals, alterations and Reviews of licencing applications and street trading consents following complaints being received.

The Full Committee also monitors and reviews licencing policy and fees for all licensable activities.

·         Audit.

The Audit Committee monitors and manages risk corporately within the Isle of Wight Council.

Cowes Town Council. (2001- 2005 and from 2011)

As a Town Councillor, I regularly take up issues with local residents and businesses Cowes.  These include Parking, accessibility and issues relating to safety. 

In addition, I’ve undertaken consultations with residents and regularly feedback to Town Councillor colleagues.  In the past 12 months, I’ve attended 11 monthly meetings.

Gurnard Parish Council. (2005-2009 and from 2012)

As a Parish Councillor I’ve worked closely with the Council on the former School Playing-field bid, have taken part in Village Tidy Ups and advise Parish Council colleagues of on-going consultations. I have attended every monthly meeting since January 2005.

I am an active supporter of Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan Committee, and continue to bridge any gap between Isle of Wight Council Policy and aspirations raised by residents of Gurnard.

One year in numbers.  As your Councillor:

·         I am on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

·         I work full-time as Councillor and work between 35 and 65 hours each week

·         I attended 319 meetings associated with my work as an IW Councillor.

·      This includes 47 out of 47 IW Council summoned meetings. Making me the top Councillor attendee, last year.

·         In addition I attended a further 51 informal meetings, briefings, exhibitions & site visits associated with this work.

·         I’ve attended 11 out of 12 Cowes Town Council’s monthly meetings and 12 out of 12 Gurnard Parish Council meetings plus a further 20 meetings associated with Parish/ Town Council activities  

·         I attended 54 Surgeries meeting 47 residents in 6 different venues.

·         I’ve called/ liaised 13 meetings in the past year, these include face to face meetings with Council Officers and meetings called with outside Agencies. 

·         I’ve written 12 monthly reports for Parish/ Town Councillors, which are edited and themed for Gurnard News, and the Cowes Magazine

·         I received over 3,000 Council related emails, 900 telephone calls and 33 letters (which I aim to respond to within 3 days- 12 hours for local residents)

·         I’ve leafleted 2,200 Annual Reports and 400 local newsletters/ consultations and updates

·         As a Councillor I visited every household, and since re-election made 108 home visits.

In 2013/4, I received a Councillors Allowance of £13197.03 Gross Pay.  

My expenses for last year, are as follows:

£240.00  Annual Report 2012/2013.

£582.00  Contribution towards Broadband, Telephone, Use Of Home as Office.

£261.54 Office Supplies (including ink, paper, stamps etc, Printing newsletters etc.)

£ 70.00 Donations.

£ 43.80 Travel Expenses.

£ 1197.34 Total Expenses.

About Me.

I’m an eighth generation Cowes Resident, am 44, was born in Gurnard and have lived locally most of my life.  I returned to Cowes in 1999, wanting to give my family the same opportunities that I had growing up in the town.

I was first elected to serve as an Isle of Wight Councillor in 1995, where I represented Ryde North East as an Independent Councillor for 6 years.  On moving back to Cowes, I’ve served on all three local councils and have continued to be actively involved in projects which support young people, crime prevention, the economy, planning and the environment. In the last year I’ve been Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council’s Economy & Environment Scrutiny Panel and at Full Council this year was appointed Chairman of the Planning Committee.

I am married to Karen, and have two children (Caelan,17 and Zara,15)

I am appointed by the IW Council as a member of the Local Access Forum, an independent body set up to monitor the Island’s rights of ways, am a member AONB Management Committee.  In the last year I have been re-appointed to serve on the Solent Forum and am now a Governor at Cowes Enterprise College.

In my own right I’m a Cowes Town Councillor, a Gurnard Parish Councillor and a Parish Councillor for Northwood.  I’m a Trustee for the Friends Of Northwood Cemetery, I serve on the Management Committee for the Footprint Trust, and served as a Justice Of The Peace since 2001. 

And Finally…

I’m committed to ensure our Council says yes, rather than no, and as long as I remain your Councillor, I’m committed to listen to you and fight your corner whenever and wherever necessary. In this role, I aim to be an effective, transparent and hardworking councillor doing this without party political restraint. Despite being part of the Council’s ruling Independent Group, I am committed to putting the needs of local residents first.  If the Independent Group gets things wrong, or if I get things wrong- Please let me know, so I can change things.

The reason I do this, is because I thoroughly love it! Because I enjoy my ‘work’, I hope that it shows and I am achieving the right outcomes for our community!

Thank you for reading my report, and for supporting me for the last five years!