A new assessment of life on the Island and the contribution made to that by public services has been published.

The Oneplace Isle of Wight Area Assessment by the Audit Commission demonstrates the successes of the Isle of Wight Council, Police, NHS and the voluntary & community sector, and also highlights areas where the organisations need to bring about improvements.

It replaces the former Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) and has a broader focus. Whereas the CPA focussed on the performance of the IW Council, the Area Assessment deals with all public services and the actual effects those services are having on the lives of residents.

The broader focus of the report reflects the shared responsibilities of the services within the Island Strategic Partnership (ISP) which is the body responsible for the delivering the Island’s Sustainable Communities Strategy ‘Eco Island’. The ISP brings together the key public, private and voluntary sector organisations that deliver services across the Island.

The report reflects progress made against the themes of Eco Island: A Healthy and Supportive Island, A Safe and Well Kept Island, A Thriving Island and an Inspiring Island.

ISP chairman David Pugh welcomed the report and said that alongside other data such as residents’ surveys it would give a revealing snapshot of life on the Island.

“What is particularly useful is that the document focuses not just on the local authority but how all services are working together for the benefits of residents. By working together we can achieve so much more for the Island. I would like to thank our partners across all sectors for the continued work they do to contribute to this shared agenda.

“There are no great surprises but what the report does highlight is that while the Island remains a very safe and healthy place in which to live and to work, there is still work needed across all public services to make improvements.

“I am pleased that from a council perspective, in such areas requiring improvements, we are already taking action. For example the report highlights the need to raise educational standards and to do this we are re-organising the education system. Where the condition of our highways need improving we are pursuing the Highways PFI in order to do that and much more besides.”

IW Council chief executive Steve Beynon, welcomed the report and highlights successful public engagement through initiatives such as the Pan Neighbourhood Partnership, inter-agency  work to prevent and treat drug misuse ,  joint working to buy care services for older people  more effectively  and  work to  try and stimulate homebuilding during the recession.

“There is much to celebrate in the document but at the same time there are areas in which we need to see continuing improvement. What is clear is that while the Island does have particular challenges we are nevertheless fortunate that in the ISP we have the collective will, dedication and ability to make a real difference to the lives of residents.”

The Isle of Wight’s deputy police commander, Superintendent Norman Mellors, said: 

“I welcome the report’s recognition of the Isle of Wight as a safe place with low crime levels. A combined effort with the public is essential for us to maintain a strong sense of community where criminals cannot gain a foothold.  By working closely with the community and strategic partners, our joint efforts have reduced burglary, violent crime and drugs misuse. I would like to thank colleagues and residents who’ve made these achievements possible.

“Police are never complacent in facing the challenges that remain. Our neighbourhood policing teams work closely with children and teenagers on projects in our communities to help them avoid the risks of becoming involved in crime. Extra patrols are identifying domestic abuse reports to partner agencies at an earlier stage so more victims have the confidence to seek support and protection sooner.”

Kevin Flynn, Chief Executive, NHS Isle of Wight and Chair of the ISP Executive said:

“I welcome this Area Assessment of the health services we commission and provide for the people of the Isle of Wight. I am also pleased that the focus is upon how we work with our key partners as partnership working is one of our four principal strategic priorities. I believe this is a fair assessment and was reassured that it found that people on the Isle of Wight generally have good access to their local healthcare services.”

The Oneplace survey can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/oneplace