IW Councillor's Report December 2024

 

 

Surgeries.

 

4:30-5pm, Monday 2^nd December, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 3^rd December, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 11^th December, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

 

Christmas Break.

 

Please note, I can be contacted throughout the holiday period, despite holding no surgeries after mid-December.  However, because of Annual Leave at this time of year it may take longer to resolve issues. To contact me please text, or call me on 07 935 090 835.

 

Small Business Saturday.

 

The IW Council will again be sharing its yuletide joy with shoppers on Small Business Saturday. Free Parking will be in place from 12-6pm on Saturday 7^th December in all the IW Council’s off-street, long-stay Car Parks.

 

Footprint Trust: Free home energy guidance and help

 

If you’re struggling with bills, call the Trust on 01983 822282, or email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk   Visit:   https://www.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/cost-of-living/health-and-wellbeing/community-support/ for support.

 

The IW Council offers help at:https://www.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/cost-of-living/household-support-fund/ and https://www.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/cost-of-living/health-and-wellbeing/community-support/

 

Pension Credits.

 

The Government advises that residents wishing to claim pension credits for the 2024/2025 Winter Fuel Payment should do so before 21^st December.  To note, pension credit entitlement can open up access to other benefits. The easiest way to claim, by far is to call 0800 99 1234. 

 

Council Tax Benefits.

 

If you are a single adult, you are entitled to a 25% discount on your Council Tax. There are several other discounts and concessions also available. Please visit: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/council-tax-discounts/

 

Supporting IW Bus Services.

 

The IW Council will receive an additional £1.8m of Government funding to support local bus services.

 

The grant has been designated to enhance popular routes, protect rural services and increase bus use for shopping, socialising and commuting.

 

The Youth Council raised concerns over the increased cap for single bus fares which will increase from January to £3 (when making multiple journeys across the Island this can prove expensive, as there are no concessions for young people). In addition, I have also approached the Council Leader, Cllr. Phil Jordan about whether the £3 bus cap could potentially return to £2 as the increase will impact adversely impact upon those on low incomes.

 

Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SUDs), Gurnard.

 

Work is due to start on proposals to reduce surface water, and its impact on outflows and bathing water. Southern Water has confirmed this will commence on 13^th January, and follows me chasing for arrangements to be in place to proceed.

 

IW AONB (National Landscape) Management Plan 2025-2030 supported by Full Council.

 

As relevant Cabinet Member, it was fantastic to receive unanimous support for the IW AONB Management Plan. This follows 18 months of work with stakeholders, that will continue to enhance our countryside and the communities who benefit. To note, although the AONB has been renamed the ‘Isle of Wight National Landscape’, all National Landscapes require an AONB Plan.  On the Island this designation applies to 50% of our Island.

 

For details please visit: https://isleofwight-nl.org.uk/discover-learn/iw-aonb-management-plan/

 

Gurnard Seafront.

 

Last month saw a Halloween event attended by 100+ people which was promoted on social media. Following the event residents, parish councillors, myself and Jayne our Environment Officer removed broken glass and rubbish scattered between Gurnard Seafront to Gurnard Marsh.  A big thank you to all involved in the tidy-up!

 

Because of the downturn in the weather, it is unlikely further events will take place…In the meantime, we continue to monitor rubbish bins on the seafront which has continued to get overfilled and damaged. 

Fix My Street.

 

Residents can report concerns directly to Island Roads, as well as to me.  This facility can be used for road problems, fly tipping and anything that affects the highway.  It helps if the issues are reported so there is data to show where problems occur and how often.  For details visit: https://fms.islandroads.com/

 

Parking.

 

Please can residents continue to park safely and close to the kerb, as I regularly hear from HGV and our community bus drivers of issues when access is disrupted. This especially applies to Worsley Road and Baring Road.

 

With Christmas approaching and the Portland and church heaving, please be cautious when parking at the junction with Church Road in Worsley Road. This year, I would be overjoyed to receive no complaints!

 

Road Closure: Cockleton Lane.

 

Carriageway Maintenance is due to take place on Monday 16^th December.  Understanding this work was due to take place in advance, it was good to see (at this stage!) works (should) not interfere with the community bus.

 

Planning Enforcement.

 

Following the proactive work from Planning Enforcement, one issue of unconsented Air B&B use is now resolved on Princes Esplanade.  Elsewhere there are two or three requests that have been made to put right activities occurring in both Cowes and Gurnard.

 

Cowes Primary School.

 

Proposals, setting out Cowes and five other primary school’s futures, which will be published early this month. This follows the significant decrease in pupil numbers and the impact this continues to have upon school finances and potentially the quality of education across the Island.

 

As local Councillor, I would like to thank the number of residents who have contacted me regarding our schools in the Cowes area.  Much of the feedback has been constructive and pragmatic with some parents (although a minority) in support for the need of closures.  Details will feature in the report to Cabinet on 12^th December.

 

Planning Application: Outline for 14 units, Comforts Farm,  Pallance Road, Northwood Ref: 24/01611/OUT

 

An application has been received to potentially develop on the northern side of Pallance Road, whilst this application is obviously in Northwood because the boundary of Gurnard lies ‘directly to the north of gardens in Pallance Road, as no gardens exist where the proposal is, in this case the boundary lies in the centre of Pallance Road.

 

The deadline for comments falls on 31^st December.. 

 

High Street Regeneration?

 

Councils will be handed new powers to breathe new life back into high streets and transform long-term empty shops, the government has announced.

 

High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) will allow local leaders to tackle persistently vacant properties in city, town and village centres by putting the leases up for auction. This will boost the high street through a ‘right to rent’ commercial lots for businesses and community groups, after the powers come into force from 2^nd December through legislation.

 

The move will stop disengaged landlords from sitting on empty properties for more than 365 days in a 24-month period, before councils can step in and auction a one-to-five year lease.

 

Corporate Scrutiny Meeting: The delivery of Affordable Housing for Islanders.

 

I attended the most recent meeting of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee, which focused on providing new housing that Islanders could afford.  The meeting was attended by Housing Officers, Housing Associations and the Council’s Finance Officer who has been criticised for not enabling the local authority to invest in housing…  In response, it was made very clear that despite ‘affordable housing’ being a key priority for Councillors, any investment would be at risk, as repayments of debts would see many years to come to fruition.

 

At the meeting it was suggested that the key to the blockage of providing viable new affordable/ social housing on the Isle of Wight was market forces and not necessarily the IW Council.  In response the Committee suggested considering use of pension funds to uplift the viability of building new homes.  This I cannot see would be supported, given the risk to pension pots. In addition, there was an acceptance that Housing Associations were better placed to deliver housing than Council Housing Companies, this is currently due to Associations being able to access funding.  

 

Red Funnel.

 

Following Red Jet 6’s refit during November, Red Funnel has announced that the refit for Red Jet 7 takes place in January. This will result in fewer daily Red Jet throughout this time.

 

Fireworks.

 

If you’re intending to celebrate the New Year with a bang and Fireworks, please tell your neighbours, particularly those with pets. Please also consider your local councillors, as most New Year’s I receive calls from those affected!

 

Northwood Cemetery.

 

Following discussions with the driver’s insurance company, all is now in place for the repairs to the wall in Newport Road (opposite the junction with Mill Hill Road) to start. 

 

Letters To Heaven.

 

A special post box has been installed within the grounds of the Isle of Wight Crematorium to allow people to write heartfelt letters to loved ones who have passed away.

 

The white Letters to Heaven post box will enable grieving Islanders to write letters, cards and messages to missed family and friends.

 

When the post box is emptied letters will be turned into compost to be used in the memorial gardens. This special soil will also enhance the ecosystem of the grounds for all to enjoy.

 

Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

 

It's important to get your winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations if you're eligible. Getting vaccinated every year will top up your protection and reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms.

 

You can get both the NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccines if you:

 

·         are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)

·         have certain health conditions

·         are pregnant

·         live in a care home for older adults

·         Other care home residents, carers and people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system can get the flu vaccine.

·         Children aged 2 or 3 years and school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) can get the children's flu vaccine.

·         Frontline health and social care workers can also get flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

 

General Waste.

 

Last month, with Christmas approaching I was asked to feedback from Waste Services what now counts as Black Bin (General Waste).  In response, I’m advised this includes the following:

 

·         animal waste and litter (bagged)	·         broken crockery and Pyrex	·         bubble wrap
·         wrapping paper (with glitter or from foil)	·         cold ash	·         foil food pouches
·         crisp bags/ sweet wrappers (silver inside)	·         contaminated food packaging	·         incontinence wear
·         wet wipes (baby, beauty and cleaning)	·         nappies	·         Polystyrene
·         sanitary/feminine hygiene wear	·         underwear	·         used tissues
·         vacuum cleaner bags / household sweepings	·         medicinal blister packs	·         Clingfilm

 

Christmas Waste Collections.

 

The festive period is almost upon us, and we’ve got you covered on all things recycling and waste. 

Recycling, waste and garden subscription collections are changing for two weeks over Christmas and the New Year period.  

Usually Collected:  Monday 23 December  Will be collected: No Change

Usually Collected:  Tuesday 24 December  Will be collected: No Change

Usually Collected: Wednesday 25 December  Will be collected Friday 27 December

Usually Collected: Thursday 26 December Will be collected: Saturday 28 December

Usually Collected Friday 27 December Will be collected: Sunday 29 December 

Usually Collected:  Monday 30 December  Will be collected: No Change

Usually Collected:  Tuesday 31 December  Will be collected: No Change

Usually Collected: Wednesday 1 January  Will be collected Thursday 2 January

Usually Collected: Thursday 2 January  Will be collected Friday 3 January

Usually Collected: Friday 3 January  Will be collected Saturday 4 January

Collections will return to normal from Monday 6 January 2025.

In addition, no bulky waste or free reuse collections will be made on Wednesday 25 December, Thursday 26 December or Wednesday 1 January.  

Polystyrene collection 
We would like to remind residents that we will collect excess polystyrene from households on general (black bin/black reusable sack) waste collection days from Monday 6 January 2025 until Friday 17 January 2025. 

If you have extra polystyrene packaging that won’t fit in your black bin or sack, just place it within a clear or white plastic bag next to your black bin/black gull sack on your collection day.

It must be in a clear or white sack so that the collection crews can easily identify it. The clear bag must only hold polystyrene, or it won’t be collected. Any excess general waste or black sacks left to the side of your bin or gull sack will not be collected. 

After 17 January, please remember that as polystyrene is not currently recyclable it must be placed in your black bin/black reusable sack or taken to Lynnbottom or Afton Marsh Household Waste Recycling Centre and placed in the general rubbish skip. 

Cardboard waste 

If you have lots of cardboard waste, please bundle up and place it separately to the side of your recycling bin/sack on your recycling week collection. 

Batteries 

• Batteries must always be removed from electrical items before being collected.
• Place your spent household batteries safely and separately in their own clear sandwich sized bag.
• Leave the clear bag holding the batteries on top (not inside) of your general waste (black bin/black reusable sack) on your general waste collection week.

Batteries thrown into ordinary bins/sacks, household waste or with other recycling are dangerous.  

Large batteries such as laptop/phone/power tool batteries and car batteries or items where the batteries cannot be removed should be taken to your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre. 

Real Christmas tree collection 

If you have an active Garden Waste Subscription, you can also dispose of real Christmas trees as part of the service. The tree should be clear of all decorations and pots and can be left to the side of your garden bin on your collection day between Monday 6 January and Friday 17 January 2025. 

Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) 

Lynnbottom and Afton Marsh Household Waste and Recycling Centres will be closed on Christmas Day. Other than this, normal opening hours apply. 

Book your visit in advance or choose a same day booking by visiting the Isle of Wight Council’s website or by calling (01983) 823777. 

More information on waste and recycling can be found at www.iow.gov.uk/waste 

 

Southern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority.

 

·         A meeting and Briefing Session took place with other representatives of Local Authorities. The session showed the scope of work undertaken by SIFCA and the financial pressures the Authority are under, particularly as SIFCA like many Government bodies do not receive DEFRA funding until well into the Financial year. SIFCA are still awaiting their settlement for 2024/5.

·         As Chair, I met with members of the Lyme Regis fishing community.  This is the third drop-in I have been involved in, and is key to raising the profile of SIFCA.  As meetings continue, it is interesting to note that fishing communities are on the same page with most conservation groups with respect to fishing quotas/ caps etc.

·         SIFCA’s new patrol vessel has undertaken sea trials this month.  I was fortunate to join officers, alongside Chair and Vice-Chair of the Technical Advisory Committee and my vice-chair and Portland Councillor, Rob Hughes. 

 

Hedgehog Corner.

 

Because of space and because it’s Christmas, Ive added this lovely 2 minute film. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/1ozSXdYrd8k

 

 

 

Report from the Cabinet Member for Planning, Coastal Protection and Flooding.

 

·         The Island Planning Strategy was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, with Inspectors David Spencer and Andrew Steen appointed by the Secretary Of State. Hearings are due to take place during February and March. The Council’s Programme Officer has met with the Inspectors, and I am advised there are no ‘showstoppers’. It is anticipated that the Inspectors will highlight their Matters, Issues and Questions before Christmas.

·          I continue to monitor the progress of Coastal Defence Schemes for Shanklin, St Helens, Ventnor and Yaverland.  I anticipate the longer these take to come to fruition the more costly these will become, for this reason it remains important that these schemes remain to their respective timeframes.

·         At Binstead, all residents affected by Flooding over the last few years have been contacted. 32 households will benefit from support.

·         Repairs were sanctioned following a burst water main in Cowes High Street. During the incident wastewater was pumped as normal separately. 

·         Southern Water are to recycle water. This involves purifying waste water at Sandown and returning purified water to the East Yar.  It is suggested that by doing this will make the Island less dependent on water supplies from the protected chalk streams that feed into the River Test. Consultation is due to take place from January.

·         Outcomes from the Planning Peer Review continue with 44% complete, 26% progressing and 23% on target.

·         Government has advised the IWC that there will be support for National wage and National Insurance increases.

·         Within the Planning Committee, Councillors upheld officers recommendations for refusal at Camp Road, Freshwater for 127 dwellings. Also, the request for the LPA to remove planning conditions for the PTEC Tidal Energy facility at Flowersbrook, Ventnor were rejected by Councillors.

·         The decision notice for the Kingston Film Studio at East Cowes was issued. 

·         Within the Cabinet, with colleagues we remain hopeful that Government recognises the Isle of Wight following Ministerial Statements.  As always, we are advised that our financial grant will be made just before Christmas, and is likely to direct local authorities to support adult social care.

·         I’ve been approached by a Business (formerly a resident when I was a Ryde Councillor) requesting support.

·         I am working with a Shanklin Councillor, on an issue impacting on a household in their town.

·         Further flooding occurred at Gunville following Storm Bertie.  Six properties were affected and support has been provided to those impacted.

·         An agreement with neighbouring Councils through the Partnership for South Hampshire Joint Committee has been reached. From the Island’s perspective, I’m hopeful this will enable us to benefit from biodiversity and nitrates credits.

 

In a nutshell, Other news from Cowes West and Gurnard.

 

·         It was a privilege to attend this year’s Remembrance Service at All Saints Church, Gurnard.  Following laying wreaths on behalf of the IW Council and Gurnard Parish Council, I had the opportunity to meet up with attendees from the Cowes service.

·         Repairs are due to take place to the ‘Wooden Slipway’ on Shore Path.

·         I have received complaints regarding vehicles parking in Cow Lane.

·         Requests have been made to monitor the road conditions at Worsley Road (again) and Rew Street.

·         The IW Council has now confirmed that the drone trial from Mornington Car Park will not take place.

·         I’m supporting a number of residents living off-grid. These residents, I know are being supported by neighbours.

·         I have been in contact with a number of residents concerning school closures.  In Cowes I was contacted by fourteen households.  Of these ten were opposed to school closures, whilst four were supportive..

·         A request was made to remove horse poo from opposite the beach huts next to the Woodvale Pumping Station.

·         I’ve been asked to resurrect details of proposals for residents, as a Trust or Cowes Town Council to manage the green space and Car Park at Mornington Road. When this occurred previously enthusiasm from residents waned. As there were also changes at the IW Council this did not proceed.  On this, I have offered my support. 

·         I understand that a meeting is due to take place concerning suggestions for Cowes Parade.

·         At Full Council, I supported measures for the IW Council to support small businesses in light of recent legislation by the Government.  At Full Council, IW Councillors hade to consider their conflicts as many are themselves small business people.. This motion was largely supported (I supported this in full, not having a conflict!) 

·         I have offered my support to three separate households with vulnerable residents.

·         I am supporting a local resident with planning concerns.

·       I attended a training session of the Local Pensions Board. At this stage in my opinion it still seems unlikely members will support funding social housing, due to the potential risks involved.

 

   

  

Thank you for reading my reports! Wishing all residents a happy Christmas and a peaceful 2025.