Up next is Independent councillor for Ryde West, Ian Stephens. Ian is also 2013-14 leader of the Isle of Wight council. In his own words. Ed
The first six months of this term of the Isle of Wight Council has been challenging and the new Independent Administration has moved swiftly with measures to open up the decision making process.
The delegated decisions which elected members previously made have been stopped, allowing decisions to be made in a public forum with input from other areas such as Town & Parish Councils. The sale of property and assets has been halted to allow for a reassessment of the situation and to allow for greater involvement of the T&PCs and other stakeholders or interested parties.
Overview and Scrutiny
Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) has been given a robust role with the minority groups in Council being given the majority of seats on the panels.
The O&S Committee Chairman is Councillor Geoff Lumley and has a T&PC Council Member with voting rights sitting on his Committee. I welcome the opportunity that this standard of scrutiny can bring in questioning the policies brought forward.
The new open governance within the Council is working very well and has fed into the cross-Group working party, which is looking at the possibility of a return to a Committee style. An online survey is available, which along with further debate may help satisfy the healthy difference of opinion on the subject.
Children’s Services
Children’s Social Care and Education have entered into partnership with Hampshire County Council, as directed by Central Government. A relationship with full commitment has been formed by both IWC and HCC and shows positive ways forward and promise of a much better future for our young people.
We have started to implement new frameworks and it is so important to keep our young safe and help them attain their full potential.
Sustainability
A new Cabinet position has enabled the Council to look at sustainability both inside and outside the organisation. It is hoped that the cross cutting elements which affect the way we work will be understood and assist in realising savings.
We are also looking to promote more eco-friendly ways of working, which is challenging the way we work and breaking new ground. The Asphalt Plant, Biomass Plant proposals were debated and views expressed, with favourable outcomes to many concerned Island residents, proving that this new portfolio has a role within Council at this time.
Highways PFI
Island Roads are now delivering the Highways PFI and the contracts are being let and scrutinised. The new Administration is endeavouring to make sure that the contracts give value for money and that the contractor works with local business and representatives to promote harmonious working timeframes.
Assisted Area Status
Working with the office of the MP, Mr Andrew Turner, we have met with the Minister Michael Fallon within six weeks of the elections and put forward a robust case for Assisted Area Status, whilst receiving the full backing of various Isle of Wight bodies from business to trade unions, from the Town & Parish Councils to cross-Solent Authorities (Hampshire County, Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils).
Working with business
I have been working to foster good relationships with the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership, and we have achieved some good results which have brought grant funding to the Island in support of business start-up and small business expansion schemes.
There will be more grant funding coming forward in the near future, as has been agreed. I am also a member of the Local Solent Transport Board where we are initiating new projects for the benefit of the Island.
Adult Social Care
The first Council Cabinet meeting flagged up possible problems in an area within Adult Social Care as it appeared at amber status (under the Isle of Wight Council ‘traffic light’ grading system).
I immediately requested a peer review which will assist in addressing areas of concern. We are now undergoing a check of the service by representatives of the Local Government Association.
We must raise the standards of service we give and note that these areas are possibly not performing to their potential. We believe that care and consideration for our elderly residents should be rigorously reviewed. We also welcome off-Island peers and their comment/advice in assisting our Isle of Wight Council staff.
Root & Branch Review
The Root & Branch Review of services and departments has begun, with staff and stakeholders are being asked to contribute and this will add depth to the review.
We have consistently said that this is a bottom-up approach and therefore should help in determining those decisions which provide frontline services to our residents.
Senior staff changes
Since we have taken up the reins, there have been a few departures and we have treated all with dignity and respect.
I feel that whilst we move forward with organisational changes we need to maintain standards and protocols.
We will not replace Strategic Directors when they leave the organisation as it is the wish of this leadership that we have a “flatter” hierarchy with more direct accountability within the Departments.
Council on tour
We are on the road and it is good to hold Public Meetings in the various towns whereby we can listen to the concerns of Islanders and let them know what it happening within the Isle of Wight Council and how Central Government cuts are affecting our ability to deliver services.
We have been honest and our audiences have participated with open heart and honesty in return. We are collecting and collating information which can be utilised to give balance and give a new focus or approach to a subject.
Challenging road ahead
The last six months have been extremely busy with much achieved, however the road ahead is challenging.
We will move forward with an inclusive approach bringing forward innovation and joint working with our health partners, and those within the voluntary sector.
We are fortunate to have such strong commitment from those who will work together for our Island.
