2 prominent Isle of Wight councillors have lodged motions to be voted on at a landmark County Hall debate this evening (Wednesday), focussing on proposals to close 5 primary schools.
Councillor Michael Lilley wants the current school place plan, which includes the closure proposals, to be withdrawn until ‘new agreed criteria’ and ‘methodology’ is developed under a new committee system in later this year.
The Isle of Wight Council is due to replace its current Cabinet governance model with a committee system in May.
Meanwhile, Councillor Geoff Brodie, who represents Pan and Barton, has put forward a motion proposing Full Council holds an indicative vote on whether it supports or opposes each of the statutory closure notices, issued on 3rd January.
It adds Full Council’s votes will be part of the 4-week statutory consultation on the closure proposals currently underway and ‘will not bind’ Cabinet when it reaches its final decision on 6th March.
Notices were issued for Arreton St George’s CE Primary School, Brading CE Primary School, Cowes Primary School, Oakfield CE Primary School and Wroxall Primary School.
Councillor Lilley, representative for Ryde Appley and Elmfield, said:
“I have personally supported and continue to support Oakfield CE Primary School in their fight against the closure of their school as the local ward councillor for Ryde Appley and Elmfield.
Article continues below this advertisement “I feel it would be a huge loss to the community and will be detrimental to the children whose lives have changed for the better by such a caring, nurturing and holistic school environment.
“However, overall, alongside my Lib Dem colleagues (councillors Andrew Garrett, Nick Stuart and Sarah Redrup) I am concerned about whether there has been a fair and reasonable process and lack of criteria which has been highlighted by school headteachers, staff, parents, including key stakeholders such as Portsmouth CE Diocese.
“We feel that the current report fails to enable a fair and reasonable decision made by cabinet and councillors and the fairest option is to withdraw the report.”
A report signed by Ashley Whittaker, director of children’s services, and Jonathan Bacon, cabinet member for children’s services, education and corporate functions, was presented to the Cabinet prior to its 12th December vote to press ahead with the 5 closure proposals.
It said:
“The overall number of primary pupils is forecast to decrease from 9,300 in 2017, to 7,640 in 2027.
“The consequences of having too many surplus places can be severe. The main impact on schools of surplus places due to falling rolls is the resulting reduction in individual school income, which without a corresponding reduction in costs, results in a deterioration in the school’s overall finances.”
The report recommended closures due to a ‘significant reduction’ in Island birth rates.
Action was proposed to ensure ‘demand and capacity are aligned’ so the council continues to provide the ‘best outcomes’ for children. The council’s statutory consultation will finish on 3rd February.
Tonight’s Extraordinary Full Council meeting gets underway at 18:00.
Why waffle on, just close them.
They cut the pensioners winter fuel allowance to
save money, that could affect pensioners Health.
So if savings are important, close down the unnesseccary
schools.
F.F.S
Why are all these councillors bickering,
they done fcuk all to help pensioners who lost
their winter fuel allowance.
If savings must be made, then close the schools
down.
You don’t keep places open if they are not full.
These councillors have a lot to learn.
This is shortsighted and destructive. Any councilllor who votes in favour should hang their head in shame. Forget Party loyalties, vote with your conscience.