Isle of Wight Councillor's Report, March 2025

 

Surgeries.

 

4:30-5pm, Monday 3^rd March, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Thursday 6^th March, Gurnard Press and Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 12^th March, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Thursday 20^th March, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard. 

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 26^th March, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Thursday 27^th March, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.  

11:30am-12pm, Thursday 27^th March, Eegon’s, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SUDs) and Road Closures, Gurnard.

 

Residents will be aware of Southern Water’s works taking place in Albert Road, Solent View Road, Woodvale Road and Worsley Road.

 

Because of the road closures and the impact this is having (not least on the Community Bus), myself and Gurnard Parish Council meets weekly with Southern Water.  Please note, when proposals were originally shared, there were no suggestions of roads closures.  From my perspective, I’m seeking ways of trying to get roads reopened at the very earliest opportunity.  To note as work continues up Woodvale Road access for residents will be maintained.

 

The timescale for closures are:

 

·         Woodvale Road.  31^st January-12^th August 2025.

·         Solent View Road. 3^rd March- 14^th May 2025

·         Albert Road. 14^th May-11^th August 2025.

·         Worsley Road. 30^th July- 30^th March 2026.

 

As a result of preparatory work, residents will note that pavements in the area have been painted a myriad of colours. This is to enable contractors to know and understand where services run below the road/pavement surface.

 

Cowes High Street.

 

A huge thank you to residents who contacted me concerning the LCWIP Consultation, particularly with respect to addressing issues of conflict between pedestrians and cyclists in the High Street.

 

Following feedback, this is something that Cabinet has listened to and have requested action to assess breaches of the current Traffic Prohibition Order to ensure more is done to respect pedestrians.

 

Suggestions I’ve made includes the following:

 

·         An updated cycle count in Cowes High Street. This will monitor cycle/ e-scooter speed and frequency.

·         Support of pedestrianisation in Cowes High Street and Shooters Hill between 10am and 7am.

·         Improved signage requesting Cyclists to dismount. 

·         Subject to consultation, seek an alternative route through the town for cyclists not wishing to dismount.

·         Improved enforcement of the existing Vehicular Traffic Prohibition Notice.

 

Following the other LCWIP’s being adopted, working with Island Roads, Cowes Town Councillors and local businesses, this locally is a matter that requires wider discussion to address concerns raised.

 

Cowes Primary School.

 

As ward Councillor, I raised issues concerning the closure of Cowes Primary School. These can be viewed here:  

 

Dear Mr Whittaker,

School Place Planning: Proposals to close Cowes Primary School, Edinburgh Close, Cowes.

 

As the local Isle of Wight Councillor for Cowes West where Cowes Primary School is located, over several months I have been contacted by a large number of families to provide support over proposals to close the Primary School following the Islandwide decline in children.  For this reason, I considered that my relationship with Cowes Primary School was too close for me not to be predetermined, and this is why I am responding as a local ward member, rather than as a member of the Cabinet.

 

It has not gone unnoticed that Cowes is recognised by OFSTED as a ‘Good’ school, with a number of families moving within the area given this and the bespoke support provided to our communities children.

 

In addition, it is noted that Cowes Primary School is an exemplar with its excellent SEND provision and the support given to the families with rich cultural ethnic backgrounds.  This is something that I have had the pleasure to witness first hand each year through the school’s pioneering International day, which not only welcomes the diversity of our ethnic community, but fully embraces this like no other school.

 

As a Councillor it is so frustrating to see this excellent school again being earmarked for closure when other schools and local academies perform less well are untouched.  For a Local Education Authority feeling it necessary to close a Good school really concerns me, given one of our Council’s key priorities are to raise educational standards.  As a consequence, in viewing the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, it is equally frustrating that at this time our Government does not go far enough to level the playing field to address this.  In the short term I consider this will not raise standards for the families of Cowes, as this does not offer the certainty of a Good school given Cowes being selected for closure.

 

In meeting with parents and listening to feedback, whilst acknowledging that doing nothing is not an option, I have sought opportunities to address falling school numbers and subsequent deficits that our school will suffer, should our school remain open. With respect to this, it is a sobering reflection, as to where we are regarding this. Speaking to others, I know proposals to keep the school site open to lessen the disruption to KS2 children has been welcomed.  Ideally, to further ease disruption I favour retaining existing KS2 staff to support these children who were previously impacted during the lockdown. 

 

I still question whether with redundancy costs, the potential to move temporary classrooms to Gurnard Primary School and the physical upheaval of moving will indeed have any positive financial impact upon Cowes Primary or its children?

 

In the meantime, for me it remains so very important that those brilliant members of staff, who have remained committed at the heart of our schools are provided every possible opportunity to continue to move forward together to maintain and build upon the successes of Cowes Primary.  The current uncertainty and the timescales involved with any closure is neither helpful or assuring for our teaching staff at this difficult time.  For those members of staff who have safeguarded our children through changes deserve our Council to safeguard them through any changes being considered.

 

Best Wishes,

 

Cllr Paul Fuller. Isle of Wight Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard.

 

In the meantime I continue to talk to stakeholders, and will be feeding this back prior to Cabinet making its decision.

 

Local Flooding issues.

 

Following recent downpours, I had the opportunity to meet up with the Council’s new Flood Officer and residents impacted by the flooding of Rew Street Pond. I’m hopeful that timetabling the clearance of drains annually will resolve matters. In the meantime the officer and I discussed longer term solutions for Rew Street and Baring Road.  

 

Meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner.

 

I took advantage of meeting Donna Jones, the PCC for Isle of Wight & Hampshire.  Issues discussed included:

 

·         The clampdown on unauthorised e-scooters and e-bikes. Police are locally proactively crushing vehicles.

·         The net increase in police officers (by 650)

·         Two new vehicles acquired for speed traffic enforcement.

 

Letter to Government Seeking extra financial support for the Isle of Wight.

 

The IW Council Leader has contacted Government concerning the Isle of Wight’s position regarding funding, and the impact this has upon Islanders… The letter from Phil Jordan can be viewed below

 

Dear Sir

 

Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement - Island Funding & Recovery Grant

 

You will recall that I wrote to you on 9 October 2024 in advance of the Local Government Finance Settlement expressing the urgent need for this year’s financial settlement to address the specific funding challenges that the Isle of Wight Council has and which l have been highlighting to the Government for the past four years. This relates to the geographical separation of the Isle of Wight from the mainland which results in unique and significantly higher costs for delivering council services. This has been consistently evidenced through numerous studies and academic research, which have identified additional costs ranging from 4% to 25% of Net Expenditure.

Recent evidence gathering, conducted in collaboration with DLUHC, provided evidence that the cost of providing council services on the Isle of Wight compared to our statistical neighbours in the key spending areas of Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, Highways Maintenance and other significant services amounts to £23.7 million annually. Despite this, the Government has only provided £4 million in additional funding, with no certainty of its continuation.

I can assure you that the additional costs of providing services on the Isle of Wight Council are in no way related to inefficiency or by providing premium services. Rather, to be fiscally responsible and avoid seeking exceptional financial support, this council has had to cut further and deeper than most other councils. I evidence this with a few examples below:

 • The Island does not have a single Adult Social Care Day Centre on the Island

• There has not been a single new provider of residential care set up on the Island in the last

10 years (illustrating that our fee rates are not attractive to the market)

• Children's Ofsted rating is Good

• The council does not provide school crossing patrols

• The Island does not provide any rural bus service subsidies

• The Isle of Wight Council has previously been judicially reviewed on the level of Library

Service provision and found to be at or around the legal minimum.

• Significant non statutory duties have been transferred to Town and Parish Councils (e.g.

grounds maintenance above the statutory minimum, public conveniences etc.)

• The council have completed a significant Asset Management rationalisation programme.

Additionally, to compensate for this level of deprived funding, the council continues to increase fees and charges wherever possible and has consistently increased Council Tax by the maximum amount allowed. This deprivation of funding is placing an enormous unfair burden on the residents of the Isle of Wight, either through Council Tax or unmet need (relative to our statistical neighbours).

In my previous letter I stated that it was both unsustainable and inequitable for the Isle of Wight Council to be disadvantaged by the current Local Government Funding system and a more equitable distribution of existing funding could significantly improve service delivery for our residents without adversely impacting other local authorities.

My request at that time was that our £4million allocation for "Island Funding" be increased by a further £6million to a total of £10million for this year's settlement at least as a temporary measure pending the Fair Funding Review.

 

To my dismay, the Provisional Local Government Funding Settlement has neither increased the Island Funding of £4m nor has the Island received any share of the Recovery Grant. I was even more disturbed to learn that the increase in Core Spending Power for the IoW Council was 5.2% where the average increase for unitary councils was 6.3%. I fail to see how this can be considered fair to the residents of the Isle of Wight. The council now finds itself in the position of an estimated "structural deficit" (or funding gap) of over £13m for 2025/26 with General Reserves above its minimum level of just £4m. You will appreciate the precariousness of this position, which is directly related to the inequitable distribution and therefore deprivation of funding.

The drivers of this "structural deficit" are the pace at which, in the main, care costs are accelerating in excess of funding levels. There are unique Island factors that drive costs quicker and higher relative to our mainland comparators (and which therefore are not factored into any formula funding

allocations). This relates primarily to our unique geography and demography - being physically separated from the mainland with a small population (and therefore relatively lower demand resulting in lower economies of scale), a small and challenged labour market which is exacerbated by a lack of labour mobility that is caused by our physical separation. Additionally, we have a relatively higher number of older people due to the Island's reputation for being a great place to retire. Using just two unique examples:

 i) For Adult Social Care we experience an increasing number of elder people moving to the Isle of Wight and away from their families and support networks. As a result, the need for care and support is often increased. The challenged labour market and home care workforce also leads to a relatively higher rate of admission to residential care.

 ii) For Children's Services, the uniquely challenged labour market creates a greater reliance on Agency Staffing across the spectrum of Social Workers and Educational professionals, which is more than double the cost of permanent staffing levels enjoyed by our mainland comparators.

 As previously mentioned, the relative cost of providing care services on the Island (with physical separation from the mainland) is significantly greater, recognition of this principle is accepted as part of the Island Funding allocation. Despite this recognition, and in the knowledge that council's cost drivers for 2025/26 are escalating care costs, there has been no uplift to the £4m Island Funding, this must be a mistake and should be rectified.

 Furthermore, it is inconceivable that the Isle of Wight Council, given its evidenced deprivation of funding, should not receive a share of the Recovery Fund. I suspect that this will be related to the well-known inadequacy and arbitrary use of weightings within the IMD which lack correlation to the cost drivers for council services and which is why previous formula reviews have decided against its use. For example, the government has provided no evidence to justify why low income is 2.42 times more relevant to local authorities’ funding needs than Barriers to Housing and Services. It appears to be a "blunt tool" which certainly does not adequately reflect deprivation per se or the deprivation circumstances of the Island.

 I also believe that the Recovery Fund is a pre-cursor to what might reasonably be expected within the Fair Funding Review which has been the long awaited and promised remedy to recognising the additional costs of providing council services on the Island. This signals to me that the formula allocation methodology for the Recovery Fund is therefore lacking in its appreciation of the unique costs incurred by the Isle of Wight Council.

 I implore you to reconsider the allocations for both the Island Funding and the Recovery Grant and to use your ministerial discretion to ameliorate this funding inequity. I fear that without an intervention that this council will be faced with the invidious choice of curtailing essential statutory services (including care services) to a level inconsistent with our statutory duty or to meet our statutory duty and forego our fiduciary duty.

 I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and your officials to discuss this important matter to our residents further and reiterate my invitation for you to visit the Ise of Wight at your earliest convenience.

 I look forward to your response.

 Yours sincerely

 Cllr Phil Jordan

Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Transport Infrastructure, Highways PFI and Transport Strategy

  

National Landscape Partnership.

 

·         It seems unlikely beavers will now be released on the Island. This follows opposition from the farming community

·         Due to encroaching scrub, with tenant farmers and Natural England, the Natural Trust are seeking to reintroduce grazing and conservation management at Headon Warren, Totland.

·         It was reported that the nearest Abattoir in Farnborough is due to close.

·         The farming community have also raised concerns following dog poo not being picked up, and the impact this has on grazing animals. With Bluetongue also impacting on livestock across the Island, this is yet another challenge for those involved in farming.

·         I am supporting Isle of Wight Farmers following recent Government changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief.

·         A new public footpath trail has been created by IW Ramblers.  Details of the footpath (between Shanklin and Ventnor) can be found here:  https://www.iowramblers.com/walks/the-dickens-trails.html

·         It was reported that on the Island visitor numbers fell by 8-10% of figures from 2022/3.

·         Funding to restore salt marshes on the Medina at Werrar was approved by Defra.

·         Concern was raised concern the impact of leaking silage upon watercourses and the impact this is having.

 

2025 Elections.

 

Because the Island was accepted for Governments Devolution Priority Programme, disappointingly IW Council local elections are postponed to take place in 2026. This will be for a reduced three year term to return to the local election cycle.  To note, that the same does not apply for Community, Town or Parish Councils. Where these are contested they will take place on 1^st May 2025. To register, visit: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAzvC9BhADEiwAEhtlN2GFfXMSQwRlWmbaYEDDfHxJuoKuwc3jC67rHUNz-IEekHCj--hW5RoCdf0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

As mentioned previously, I personally do not understand the justification for delaying elections by Government and subsequently will be taking part in ‘walking the streets’ elections or not!

 

Garden Waste Subscriptions.

 

IW Council’s Garden Waste Service subscriptions, can be renewed until 11^th March. For details please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/garden-waste/your-garden-waste-subscription/ or call 01983 823777.  To note, Onward Waste can offer a similar service.  For details call: 01983 632205.

 

Local Planning Matters.

 

·         Proposals to develop on land at Comforts Farm, in Pallance Road has been refused.

·         Following feedback, more robust planning conditions were imposed on a Rew Street glamping proposal.

 

Spencer’s Copse.

 

Following an enquiry by Gurnard Parish Council, works are intended to start in the summer.  Once this section of the English Coastal Path is signed off by the Secretary of State, a Public Path Creation Order will be introduced.

 

County Stakeholder meeting with Southern Water.

 

·         It was reported that Southern Water are appealing against OFWAT’s proposals to suppress water bills to 47%.

·         At the meeting I asked for further details on Southern Water’s water recycling programme, and the carbon cost given the need to purify waste water.

·         Last year, over 8 months it was reported that over 6000 tonnes of wet wipes were removed from pipework.

·         Locally it was reported that there is now greater capacity at Marsh Road’s water attenuation sites, whilst misconnections at Lower Church Road had been resolved.

·         It was reported that Southern Water were committed to reducing the number of storm overflows.

 

Palm Oil.  How to Respond if You Encounter Palm Oil Deposits:

 

I have received calls concerning Palm Oil that has been washed up on Island Beaches. 

 

The contamination poses potential risks to both marine wildlife and beach visitors.

 

·         Report it: If you spot palm oil deposits, contact the council on 01983 821000, or coastguard on 0203 8172 000.  

·         Keep pets and children away: For safety, it is advisable to keep children and pets clear of the affected areas.

·         Wash up: If you come into contact with Palm Oil, wash your skin with soap or shower gel to avoid any irritation.

·         Contact a vet: In the event that a pet, especially a dog, may have ingested any of the substance, contact a vet for advice.

 

Full Council.

 

·         Budget 2025-2026.  For the first time in a few years, there seemed to be unity on priority of services, the IW Council provides.  Because of the increasing cost of statutory adult social care, there is little wriggle room.  As with last year the Council will freeze car parking and floating bridge charges, will be investing in coastal protection and investing in highway drainage.  Amendments put by both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat groups were incorporated within proposals, this will assist the new Committee system about to be implemented to move forward on the IW Council priorities.

 

·         Supporting Farmers.  There was widespread support for the IW Council doing much more to support family farms.  Following a motion supported by 31 out of 33 Councillors, it was agreed to contact Government concerning the impact of Inheritance Tax and the impact this will have on Family farms.  

 

Updates from Parks and Beaches.

 

·         Railings between Gurnard and the Royal Yacht Squadron are to be repaired, refurbished and replaced.

·         Repairs have also taken place to the Pirate Ship at the children’s play area on Gurnard Green.

·         Repairs/ updates to notice boards are due to take place this summer. I have requested that extra information is provided on the groyne which is being reconstructed opposite the Woodvale Pumping Station.

 

Hedgehog Corner.

 

Hedgehogs will begin to emerge from hibernation, having potentially lost a third of their body weight over winter. This is the perfect time to start putting out supplementary food and water as they will be extremely hungry.

 

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

 

·         Examination of the Island Planning Strategy is being considered between 25^th February and 6^th March.  I am intending to attend the hearing, and listen to feedback from those making comments. For details, please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/island-planning-strategy/island-planning-strategy-examination/#:~:text=Hearing%20sessions&text=Week%20One%3A%20Tuesday%2025%20February,March%202025%20%2D%20Virtual%20Reserve%20session

·         The Environment Agency has been tasked by Government to enhance coastal erosion mapping.

·         I now understand a way forward has been agreed between the owners of Briary Court and Planners.

·         I am meeting with the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee to seek future funding for local schemes.

·         I attended Southern IFCA’s Technical Advisory Committee Meeting.  The TAC monitors fish stocks and advises on the issuing of permits and licenses, dependent upon fish stocks.

·         As SIFCA’s Chair, I travelled to Weymouth to listen to fishermen and the challenges they face. One issue raised by many, is the need to increase the size of fish being landed. Fishers advised me in both Lyme Regis and Weymouth, the larger the fish caught, the greater opportunities there are for fish to spawn.

·         I attended my second fishers drop in.  This took place in Weymouth, and a number of issues were taken up.

·         I hosted February’s meeting with the IW Association of Local Councils.  Matters discussed included the impacts of storms on local beaches and further questions on English Devolution.

·         I have been asked to provide an update on Ventnor Winter Garden, which is causing concerns to local residents.

·         Concerns were forwarded on Southern Water’s roll-out of waterbutts across the Island.  Following feedback after an initial response during the summer residents heard nothing back. I understand with respect to a lack of calling cards residents did not know who to contact. I understand at the moment, the scheme is no longer proceeding, and will report this back.

·         The new IW Coastlines and Landslip met.  Of key concern was of land movement taking place in Ventnor.

·         Groynes are being repaired at Colwell and Lake.

·         The IW Council are improving the area around Fort Victoria.  I have asked whether English Coastal Path funding could be available to extend the capital spend available.

·         I’ve been attending some of the Island Planning Strategy hearings. Interestingly, developers have spoken about the challenge of making new housing schemes financially viable.  As a result housing numbers continue to fall.

·         There are currently 286 live planning applications under consideration.  This is the lowest amount for several years and is a result of how planners deal with applications, and also reflects the national shortage being made.

·         I attended the latest meeting of Southern Coastal Group.  Like other Defra funded Government Agencies there remains uncertainty on future Defra Funding and the role these agencies adopt.

·         I have been asked to follow up enquiries regarding empty homes

 

Also this month.

 

·         With thanks to Building Control, I was able to ensure an agricultural building was made safe following storms.

·         A Pot Hole was reported and repaired in Worsley Road.

·         I’ve supported a resident who is selling a beach hut. I was advised this was delayed by the IWC by six months.

·         I supported a resident, wishing to get vegetation cut next to their property.

·         Dog Poo on Princes Esplanade has been reported.

·         A request to see double yellow lines on the junction of Glen Pace in Worsley Road was not considered a high priority for Health and Safety reasons. Therefore the proposal will be considered in the next of Traffic Orders.

·         I have contacted the Manager of Briary Court advising residents that the community bus still serves Egypt Hill. 

·         I’ve been contacted by several parents/ staff members across the Island to discuss school closures.  As with all items that I deal with, residents are always happy to discuss concerns further with me at my surgeries.