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Ian Stephens

Ian Stephens was elected as Leader of the Isle of Wight Council in May 2013.

He was re-elected in May 2014, following the introduction of a change to the usual four-year term for Leaders.

He stepped down as Leader in January 2015 and stood as an Independent prospective parliamentary candidate in the General Election, where he received 3,198 votes (losing his deposit).

He stepped down as Executive member for major contract management and car parking in January 2017.

15, June 2022·2 min read

83.2 per cent of Islanders would not be able to afford a new build home on the open market, reveals report

A council report reveals that at the current prices and wages Islanders receive, 83.2 per cent of residents could not afford a new build home on the open market

22, June 2022·2 min read

Dedicated Director of Housing to help tackle issues of homelessness and rough sleeping

A new action plan, including the introduction of a dedicated Director of Housing, has been designed to give a ‘better life’ to Islanders facing homelessness

29, June 2022·1 min read

39 per cent rise in short-term holiday lets on the Isle of Wight impacts long-term rentals for residents

It's had a detrimental impact on the number of long-term rentals available for Isle of Wight residents

Tracey Wagstaff, Dottie Rose and Toby receive the keys to their new home on Branstone Farm

4, November 2022·3 min read

First residents move into award-winning Branstone Farm development

Jointly developed by the Isle of Wight Council and Vectis Housing Association, each of the 42 affordable homes has been built to a high specification for energy efficiency to help reduce energy use

15, November 2022·3 min read

Council launches online support for those struggling with cost of living crisis

As well as loads of signposting info and advice, there’s also a list of warm and welcoming spaces where residents can meet others, take part in activities, get a warm drink or meal

close up of fifty pound notes spread out on surface

2, December 2022·3 min read

Council invest £1.1 million to support households facing hardship between now and March 2023

The initiatives will expand on what was offered in the previous funding rounds to include support for foster carers registered with the council, unpaid carers, care leavers, and people with disabilities

8, January 2023·9 min read

Ian Stephens: Isle of Wight council Cabinet Member’s 2022 review and hopes for 2023

A comprehensive report from Cllr Ian Stephens of the work carried out within his Cabinet portfolio of Digital Transformation, Housing, Homelessness and Poverty, as well as his hopes for 2023

25, January 2023·2 min read

Deputy Leader reveals disorganisation of IWC housing service inherited from previous Conservative Administration

Ian Stephens, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Housing, criticises the Conservative's Housing Paper for lack of engagement and understanding of the housing situation on the Isle of Wight

25, January 2023·3 min read

Conservative budget amendment prevented new housing development on Isle of Wight, says councillor (update 2)

Cllr Quigley says the Isle of Wight Conservative Group's "flawed budget amendment" prevented new housing development and accused them of putting politics before people's needs. The Conservatives say it was discussed and agreed with the Finance Director

2, February 2023·3 min read

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