The Full Council of the Isles of Scilly met on Thursday 30 July 2026, addressing a range of significant issues including planning applications, financial performance, and the future of the islands' electoral arrangements. Key decisions included the approval of a new care home, the deferral of a decision on renewable energy installations for telephone kiosks, and the adoption of a five-year community risk management plan for the Fire and Rescue Service.

Planning Application P/26/056/FUL: Replacement of Roof Covering at Porthmellon Waste Site

The Council approved the replacement of the roof covering and rainwater goods at the Processing Hall on the Porthmellon Waste Management Site. This was described as an essential maintenance and infrastructure improvement project. Councillor Lynn Blackwell proposed the approval, seconded by Councillor John Peacock, and the decision was carried.

Planning Applications P/26/042, P/26/043, P/26/044 & P/26/045: Renewable Energy Installations for Telephone Kiosks

The Council refused planning permission and listed building consent for the installation of micro wind turbines and solar panels next to Grade II listed K6 telephone kiosks on St Agnes and St Martin's. The refusal was based on the argument that the proposals would cause less than substantial harm to the heritage assets and that insufficient information had been provided to demonstrate that these were the least harmful means of securing the kiosks' operation. Councillor Harry Legg proposed a deferral, which was seconded by Councillor Dan Marcus, and this motion was carried.

Q1 2026/27 Financial Performance Summary

The Council reviewed its financial performance for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, noting a projected overspend of £234,114. The primary driver for this overspend was identified as Adult Social Care, with an overspend of £180,964, attributed to transition costs for the new care home and increased agency staffing costs. An underspend was noted in Children's Services (£97,090), attributed to staff vacancies. Councillor Stuart Nixon proposed the recommendation to note the report, seconded by Councillor Alex Sandford, and this was carried.

Electoral Review by Local Government Boundary Commission for England

The Council discussed the Local Government Boundary Commission for England's electoral review. The proposed submission to the Commission recommended no change to the current council size of 16 members, maintaining four single-member wards for the off-islands and one 12-member ward for St Mary's. Councillor Steve Sims proposed the recommendation, seconded by Councillor John Peacock, and this was carried.

Trustee Appointment to the Isles of Scilly Charitable Trust

The Council appointed Mr Tim Jones as a nominative trustee to the Isles of Scilly Charitable Trust for a four-year term. The Chairman of the Council, Councillor Joel Williams, proposed the appointment, highlighting Mr Jones's commitment and useful skill set. Councillor Mrs Avril Mumford seconded the proposal, and it was carried.

Isles of Scilly Fire & Rescue Service - Proposal to Adopt a 5-Year Community Risk Management Plan

The Council approved the adoption of a five-year Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for the Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service, transitioning from the previous three-year cycle. Councillor Mrs Avril Mumford proposed the recommendation, seconded by Councillor Mrs Fran Grottick, and it was carried.

Green Maritime Corridor Feasibility Study

The Council discussed the feasibility study for a Green Maritime Corridor between Newlyn and St Mary's, exploring the potential for an electric ferry service. Following extensive debate and several proposed amendments to the recommendations, the Council ultimately voted to support Artemis Technologies, Innovate UK, and the Department for Transport in submitting a bid for funding for the vessel and harbour infrastructure. Councillor John Peacock proposed the initial recommendations, which were amended through subsequent proposals by Councillor Dan Marcus and Councillor Harry Legg. The final recommendations, as voted on, were carried with one abstention.

Annual Carbon Report 2026

The Council reviewed its annual carbon report, noting a significant 85.12% reduction in emissions compared to the baseline year, largely due to the solar installation at Normandy Pool. Councillor John Peacock proposed the recommendations to note the report and approve its publication, seconded by Councillor John Legg, and this was carried.

Council Performance Summary and Corporate Risk Register: Quarter 1 2026/27

The Council received the quarter one performance data and updated corporate risk register. Councillor Stuart Nixon proposed the recommendations to note the report, seconded by Councillor John Peacock, and this was carried. Councillor Blackwell raised a question regarding councillors' duty to intervene in trending red risk indicators, with the Chief Executive clarifying that while councillors do not own the risks, they have a statutory responsibility to ensure good risk management is in place. Councillor Dan Marcus highlighted the red risks in Children's Services, emphasizing the need for member involvement. Councillor Harry Legg suggested adding education access to the risk register concerning inter-island boating.

The meeting concluded with the Chairman thanking members, staff, and attendees.