FIRST COUNCIL

On union business on the mainland all day yesterday, and then Downside in evening.

First meeting of the new IW Council today. All predictable in terms of decisions about how this Council will operate. Lots of debate about when meetings will be held as the Tories have a manifesto commitment for evening meetings. Although that suits me best, Deborah made comments about including some members of the public, but excluding others - parents, carers, etc - but they were ignored. All in all Deborah was the star of the minority parties with lots of valid interventions and objections. The Independent leader was all supportive of the leadership and the LibDem leader relatively quiet. I was quiet today preferring to get my bearings at my first meeting (as usual), but this is not a forum that holds any fear for me.

Tory Cabinet members made announcements like - they have abandoned the move to a two-tier school system - for now - while they try to get school rtesults to the national average (such aspiration!), they want more efficiency savings than even central government expects from the Gershon review, they have suspended all discretionary spending, Council Tax rise next year WILL be in line with inflation, they are urgently reviewing the social housing waiting list points system to favour locals, they have restored funding to the Law Centre. Some good stuff, but lots very scary !

Had a conversation with another Cabinet member who wants to look again at the masterplan for the development on Pan. Said they would include me in any discussions. I am happy to revisit this as I know many on Pan aren't happy.

Labour Group meeting later today with the party Chair and two liaison officers to discuss how we are going to handle this administration.