INTEGRATION APPROVED

Last night's Full Council meeting approved continuing the work to integrate the Island's two NHS Trusts (yes, TWO) with the Council's Adult Social Services by 40 votes to 3. Myself and Labour comrade Deborah Gardiner opposed, together with Cllr Henry Adams (LibDem). There were many speeches stressing caution, but only I had the chance to speak against - in which I expressed our fears - accountability to Islanders, the long-term financial problems of the two NHS trusts, and staff fears and concerns. I believe that Islanders will pay the price of any mereger, if it ever happens. The pre-conditions for merger are tough to meet and will only be met if evaluated by those who want merger at just about all costs. Still Island Labour tried to save Adult Social Services - a taste of the next four years. Thanks to Henry for supporting us.

Deborah and I also challenged their Cabinet members for the non-delivery to date of many of the Tory manifesto pledges (such as an annual £50 parking ticket for Islanders within one month of their election, and commitments on school performance) - all we got was weasel-words and sophistry, but we will get this into the local media. They cannot be allowed to make such dishonest pledges without people knowing what they are now not doing.

Apart from Henry Adams' voting support, we heard nothing from the three LibDems present and only words of 'gently critical friendship' from the 'Independent Scrutiny Group' lead by Cllr Mazillius - or the 'Condependents' as they are becoming known. The only opposition will be Deborah and I - so much for scrutiny functions being in the hands of opposition members...........

Finally was the only male councillor NOT wearing a tie ! In temperatures more like downtown Madras, sane people know when not to wear a tie. But then I don't have an ex-military leader !!!!!!

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE INTEGRATION

Interestingly, the Tories are now proposing a revised motion on integration tomorrow that has five pre-conditions that will be almost impossible to meet under any impartial assessment. In which case, why go ahead with the intention ?

NEWPORT AREA FORUM

Attended my first Newport Area Forum last night, as a full voting 'core member'. The Forum is one of many across the IW set up under the Community Partnership initiatives. Consists of 6 of the 8 Newport & Carisbrooke IW Councillors (Parkhurst and Carisbrooke West have opted out), and reps. from business and the voluntary and community sectors. It is a sort of informal town council committed to improving the Newport /Carisbrooke area, with an annual budget from the IW Council of about £15k - £20k if all 8 Councillors were involved. I had some doubts about being involved myself as there is so much more happening on Pan through the neighbourhood partnership monies, but after listening to its purpose and plans I have decided to stay on board. I will now seek suggestions from Pan residents as to what they would like from the Forum

SURGERY ISSUES

Had my first surgery at the weekend. Main issue at present is the speed of traffic coming along Furrlongs; particularly at the eastern end. Fortunately I already have this is hand and am expecting a report from Highways soon.

Also some issues around vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the School Lane, Barton Rd, Royal Exchange area. One resident wants a CCTV camera at the junction of these 3 roads and plans to get a petition together. Offered what support I can if there is widespread demand.

NO TO HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE INTEGRATION

Got home from my union conference on Friday evening, and then spent the whole weekend at the IW Rock Festival - so just about back in the swing of things. Been busy at Downside with the Headteacher appointment planning for the last two days.

Received next week's Full Council agenda last night. Motion to be debated from Tories supporting integration of local Health and adult Social Care services. Island Labour totally opposes this and I plan to speak on this important issue for a number of reasons, that I will elaborate on nearer the time. May suggest to Unison some sort of lobby of the Council

My first surgery on Saturday - 11 - 12.30 at the Isobel Centre. After that I plan to visit the archaeological dig on the planned Pan development site. Hope it turns up something of major significance !!!!!

STAFF FEARS

Conservatives have been floating thoughts past me, as they are concerned at staff morale and fears since the big change at County Hall; especially regarding 'strategic partnering'. Welcomed being given the chance to offer my views and did so. We will see.....

Will be off to my union conference (PCS - civil service union) in Brighton on Sunday - not back until next Friday. Mary will field any queries for me whilst I am away. Will be good to spend time with people who think Labour nationally is just as bad as the Tories ! Helps keep being seen as a 'lefty' on the Island in perspective.

MEDINA MEETING

This morning met with the Chief Executive, Community Development Manager and Head of Maintenance Services of Medina Housing Assoc. A productive meeting - more to establish a relationship than anything else, given the number of Medina tenanats on the estate. Shared our views on the future development of Pan, on which we are not a mile apart. They are an important player on Pan for the future.

This afternoon Dennis from IT came up to get my computer linked to the County Hall network - will save me having to go down there more than I have to. Councillors need to be in the community - not in County Hall ! He was very helpful: shame he and his colleagues are under the threat of being 'strategic partnered' !