Further to our report back in November 2011 regarding the call for a State of the Island Debate, this in from the Independent Isle of Wight councillors. In their own words. Ed
In an unprecedented step, Independent Isle of Wight Councillors have, for the first time in the history of the Isle of Wight Council, invoked the Council’s Constitution to table a ‘State of the Island Debate’ to be held during the Full Council meeting, at 6pm on Wednesday 25th January 2012, in County Hall, Newport.
“Urgent need for a wide-ranging public debate”
Independent Group coordinator, former Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Ian Stephens said: “Many Councillors realise that there is an urgent need for a wide-ranging public debate on the challenges facing the Island today.
“We had hoped that this debate would have warranted it’s own dedicated meeting to which residents and other stakeholders, such as Town and Parish Councils and charitable organisations, increasingly responsible for the provision of services, would have been invited. Sadly it has been decided that the debate should have the status of a motion to Full Council and therefore it cannot not give residents and stakeholders an opportunity to voice an opinion or express their view.”
Tell us what you think
Councillor Stephens continued, “We really need to hear from the community. We want to ensure that their views can be fully aired at the Council debate, and to this end Independent Councillors will be holding a special meeting at the Riverside Centre on Saturday 21st January.
“All groups and individuals are invited to give their views on the issues they see as as being fundamental to the future prosperity and well-being of the Island and its residents. More details of this meeting will be made available soon.”
