Two more political groups at County Hall have responded to the damning Penn report on the Isle of Wight Council.
Group leaders Councillor Bill Nigh (pictured left), of Reform UK, and the Empowering Islanders’ Councillor Chris Jarman (pictured right) shared their thoughts on independent consultant Richard Penn’s review of the local authority which he labelled ‘dysfunctional’.
Among the 31-page document’s damning findings was an observation that policies and procedures meant to provide ‘checks and balances’ on the behaviour of councillors and officers are ‘all too often ignored’ or ‘forgotten’.
Read more about the Penn Report
Nigh: The only information I have is that contained in the report
Councillor Nigh said,
“The Penn report relates back to a period of time before I was elected as a councillor so the only information I have is that contained in the report or what I have been told or seen on social media.
“I gather a press release was made at 4pm today and that the report itself is on the agenda to be discussed on Wednesday, 19th November when I shall be attending my first full council meeting as an elected member.”
Jarman: We’re pleased that many of our concerns and submissions have been used
Councillor Jarman said,
“The matter of behaviour of councillors and officers is of paramount importance and for that reason Empowering Islanders, as a group, fully engaged with the process with Richard Penn.
“Given the seriousness of the matter we decided to provide Mr Penn with substantial packs of documents so that any issues raised could be considered by him, in confidence, on the basis of proper evidence.
“An evidence-based approach by him was important, both to understand the difference between symptoms and cause, and also, should it prove necessary, to deal with any ramifications from central government that may result.
“Empowering Islanders, as a group, met twice with Mr Penn twice in lengthy sessions and we are pleased that many of our concerns and submissions have been used by him in his report, which we fully endorse.
“We were aware that the chief executive planned to produce a covering note to accompany the publication of his report, but we were not invited to participate in the joint group leaders’ statement.”
He added his group does not believe there to be “anything surprising” in the report, including recommendations regarding statutory officers, and will seek to “capitalise” on the opportunity for all councillors and officers to find a more “respectful and effective” way forward in local government.
The recommendations
Mr Penn’s recommendations relating to statutory officers include raising the position of monitoring officer to strategic director level, giving the role greater authority and considering whether it is correct for the council’s finance chief not to be a full-time officer at County Hall.
Responsibilities of statutory officers include ensuring the legality and fairness of a council’s decision-making process and the proper administration of its finances, according to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Perera: This report is a moment for reflection and renewal
Chief Executive Wendy Perera said yesterday (11th November 2025),
“This report is a moment for reflection and renewal and importantly it is about creating the conditions for change.
“We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the review, and officers and councillors are committed to working constructively to implement the recommendations once approved by full council.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
