The Council of the Isles of Scilly's Full Council met on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, to discuss a range of important issues including the Council's financial performance, proposed disposals of council property, and a report on child poverty. The meeting also covered updates on the Corporate Plan and the Council's performance.

Standing Orders

The meeting was scheduled to consider proposed amendments to the Council's Standing Orders. These amendments, recommended by the Governance Committee, aimed to clarify procedures for decision-making regarding human resource matters pertaining to the Chief Executive. The proposed changes would establish clear protocols for both day-to-day HR matters and more significant decisions, potentially involving a panel of five members for the latter.

Director of Public Health Annual Report (2025/2026) Child Poverty

A significant item on the agenda was the Director of Public Health's Annual Report, which focused on the pressing issue of child poverty in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The report, co-authored with the Strategic Director of Together for Families, highlighted the impact of poverty on children's health, wellbeing, education, and future aspirations. It aimed to inform decision-makers and residents about the scale of the problem, drawing on insights from children, young people, and practitioners. The report presented a series of practical, locally informed recommendations to prevent poverty and mitigate its effects, emphasizing the need for collaboration and systemic change.

2024/25 Statement of Accounts and Annual Governance Statement

The Council was due to consider its Statement of Accounts and Annual Governance Statement for the 2024/25 financial year. These documents provide a comprehensive overview of the Council's financial position and the effectiveness of its governance arrangements.

Q3 2025-26 Financial Performance

A report on the Council's financial performance for the third quarter of the 2025-26 financial year was scheduled for discussion. This would provide an update on income and expenditure against the budget, highlighting any variances and potential financial challenges.

Proposed disposal of the Old Museum, Church Street, St Marys

The Council was set to discuss the proposed disposal of the Old Museum site on Church Street, St Mary's. The building, vacated in 2019 due to structural concerns, is earmarked for redevelopment, with housing being the preferred option. The report outlined the progress made towards achieving vacant possession and the next steps required for the disposal process, in line with the Council's Financial Regulations and Acquisitions and Disposals Policy.

New Care Home - Heads of Terms and Fit Out Costs

The meeting was to consider the Heads of Terms and fit-out costs for a new care home. This report focused on the building elements of the integration project, including lease arrangements and initial fit-out expenses for the new facility, which is nearing completion. The discussion was expected to cover the lease terms with Cornwall Foundation Trust and the budget for essential fixtures and fittings.

Heads of Terms Town Hall redevelopment

The Council was scheduled to review the Heads of Terms for the Town Hall redevelopment project. This report provided further details to inform an updated draft Heads of Terms and lease agreement for the new facility, which will be operated by the Isles of Scilly Museum Association. The discussion was also expected to cover ongoing landlord-related budget requirements and a potential capital grant for the Isles of Scilly Museum Association towards the purchase of Lyonesse Stores for artifact storage.

Commercial Waste Subscription Service Fees 2026-2027

The proposed fees for the Commercial Waste Subscription Service for the 2026-2027 financial year were on the agenda. The report outlined the recommended fee increases, which aim to cover service costs and account for inflation, aligning with the Council's financial principle of full cost recovery for trade waste.

Corporate Plan (2022-2026) close-down report

A report was presented to assess the Council's progress against its Corporate Plan objectives and promises for the 2022-2026 period. This close-down report provided a final evaluation of achievements and identified objectives that may be carried over to the next Corporate Plan. The assessment indicated that 13 out of 24 objectives had been achieved, with 2 more expected to be completed by the end of the financial year.

Council performance summary and corporate risk register: quarter 3 2025/26

The meeting was to review the Council's performance summary and corporate risk register for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. This report provided an update on key performance indicators and identified significant risks facing the Council, along with the controls and further actions in place to mitigate them.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman: annual review letter 2024-25

The Council was to receive and note the annual review letter from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. This letter provides statistics on complaints handled by the Ombudsman concerning the Council. The report indicated that three complaints were received, none of which were upheld.

Schedule of Delegated Planning Applications

A schedule of delegated planning applications, both registered and determined since the last report, was presented for information. This included details of applications for various properties across St Mary's and other islands, with their respective decisions or current status.

Exclusion of the Public

Part 3 of the agenda included items requiring the exclusion of the public due to the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to business affairs. These items were the Award of contract for Park House redevelopment and the Ennor Farm Housing Site groundworks contract report .