Every week Isle of Wight council Chief Exec Steve Beynon write a missive to all of the people who work for the council called ‘The Vine’ – (update) the text below is a separate note sent to all council members. This week he’s focused on public consultation for the libraries and toilets. VB thought Islanders might be interested in reading it, as did those who sent it to us. Thanks. We’ve added sub-titles – Ed
At Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, decisions were taken on two areas that have generated interest inside and outside of the council – libraries and public conveniences.
Besides the understandable interest they have raised, the issues are also linked by the fact that the current proposals around each were the subject of public consultation and in both cases, the plans were modified as a result of that public input.
“Genuine opportunity to influence the decisions”
I have always tried to stress that the consultations we hold do offer residents the genuine opportunity to influence the decisions that affect them even when there will be some who would wish the council not to make such decisions at all. Of course we cannot accept every wish or suggestion expressed but it is clear that we do – wherever we are able and it is reasonable to do so – adapt our plans based on consultations. What both consultations have also highlighted is a welcome willingness of community groups and organisations, such as parish and town councils, to take on responsibility for some of the services and amenities we are ourselves are unable to provide.
I believe they have done so not because we have put them under duress but because they have – through their own democratic process – chosen to do so. That is an important distinction that speaks volumes for the sense of community that the Island possesses.
“Necessary review”
Our hope now is that as a result of this necessary review at least as many libraries as at present will remain available to residents, but at significantly less cost to the tax payer. It is also possible as a result of certain expressions of interests that library provisions could be established in areas currently only benefiting from the mobile service.
It is an interesting footnote to the current debate on libraries that the partnership we are developing with the community has been noted by Government. Indeed we have learned this week that we are to be included in a national study of innovative approaches to library provision, particularly the devolution of library management to community bodies.
“First local authority to commission all its secondary school”
The Government interest in the library process is not the only current example to emerge this week of Whitehall looking to learn more about work we are undertaking here on the Island. This week David Pugh, representing the Local Government Association, gave evidence to the Education Bill Committee which is considering proposed legislation affecting the role of local authorities in the provision of education. The committee was keen to hear the experiences of the Island as we become the first local authority to commission all its secondary school provision. Of particular interest is how we are doing this while still maintaining local accountability.
Image: smomashup1 under CC BY 2.0
