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 1st Tuesday of each month at
Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.
5:30-6pm on the 1st Tuesday of each month at
The Sports Bar, IW Community Club,
Park Road, Cowes.
6-6:30pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month
at The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade,
Gurnard.
1-1:30pm on the 3rd or 4th Wednesday
each month at the Little Gloster,
Marsh Road, Gurnard. [March-December]
3-3:30pm on the 3rd or 4th 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!
