CABINET REPORT - PAN ON THE AGENDA

As usual went to the Cabinet tonight, and as usual no other opposition group had a member in attendance, though - as usual - there were about eight non-Cabinet Tories there, and - as usual - only one member of the public.

Main issues for me were:

1. Applications for the new 50p bus fares concession from 19s and under who are in education, but not in mainstream, 'full time education' will be looked at favourably by the Council. I know people who this will benefit. I applauded the older and disabled people scheme for free travel and reminded the Cabinet that the core funding was nearly £1m from the Labour government;

2. A policy paper on the Pan development was agreed. The Council will seek to appoint a private-sector Joint Venture Partner where it will share the capital return over 10 years, but not bear the (necessary) infrastructure risks. It will seek to provide 240 (30%) affordable houses, working with all the Island Housing Associations, lead by Medina HA. Finally all houses should be built to the best energy-efficient standard. I got a commitment from the Transport member to examine closely the option of providing a Pan by-pass, which would reduce the number of houses on the development from 800 to just under 700. I also got a commitment from the Housing member for 'flexibility', in reponse to my plea for a 40% level of afforable housing.

The Cabinet also dealt with - seconding OTs to the Hospital Trust for joint working with their OTs; the parking order for 2006; and the setting up of an Island Investment Company with the South East Economic Development Agency to facilitate regeneration.