A repeated challenge by Conservative Isle of Wight opposition councillor, Chris Whitehouse, to the leader of the council, Ian Stephens, for taking on the role as chair of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Culture, Tourism and Sport Board has been tabled as a motion on next week’s Full Council meeting agenda.
Call for resignation
The motion reads,
By Councillor Chris Whitehouse
The need for the Leader of the Council to focus on the Island’s needs This Council records its profound concern at reports that its Leader, Cllr Ian Stephens, has taken a position with the Local Government Association which requires a significant time commitment and for which he receives a substantial allowance of £15,712 in addition to the basic allowance of
£7,903 as a councillor and his Special Responsibility Allowance as Council Leader which he personally proposed be put up to £15,806, giving him an income from council work of £39,421; observes that at a time when the Council has a financial crisis requiring urgent budget cuts, manpower reductions and service reconfigurations Cllr Stephens’ place should be here, on the Island, giving Leadership to his administration and its officers; deeply regrets the Leader’s decision to take this external remunerated position and calls upon him to think again and resign from it forthwith.
5% of working hours per annum
The Independent administration have issued a statement in response to the challenge. It reads,
Councillor Ian Stephens has recently been offered and accepted a role by the Local Government Association as a member of the Leadership Board and Chairman of the Culture, Tourism and Sports Board which is a sub-committee of the main Board.
The role will require his attendance at 12 meetings each year, all of which take place in the middle of the day thereby avoiding the need for Councillor Stephens to stay off the Island to attend such meetings and meaning that the post will take up no more than 5% of his working hours over a year.
Portfolio duties delegated
Nevertheless, in recognition of his acceptance of this post, Councillor Stephens has passed some of his portfolio duties to Councillor Shirley Smart, but will maintain oversight of resources, including taking responsibility for the forthcoming budget in which the Isle of Wight Council has to find savings of £13M this year alone in order to deal with the financial restrictions placed on the local authority by central government.Cllr Jordan to oversee PFI
At the same time, concluding the recently announced reshuffle of Executive roles, Councillor Phil Jordan has been given special responsibility for the PFI contract in order that some of the problems with the Contract that are now becoming apparent can be addressed.Raising the profile of the Island
The offer of the LGA role is both an honour for Councillor Stephens as well as recognition and a major benefit for the Isle of Wight: It will raise the profile of the Island and provide a voice in some of the most important forums in British politics for Isle of Wight issues as well as direct access to Government Ministers dealing with issues of Tourism, Culture and Sport. It cannot be stressed too highly the influence such a role could have on any opportunities and funding initiatives for the Isle of Wight that might otherwise remain untapped.Involvement in mainland bodies by the current Independent administration of the Isle of Wight such as the Solent Local Economic Partnership has already secured in excess of £7million funding for the Island and there is every hope that this will continue as such involvement is nurtured. This marks a significant change from the previous Conservative administration which withdrew from membership of and involvement with all external bodies.
Joining other council leaders
Of the 22 members of the LGA Leadership Board, 16 are also Leaders of Local Authorities including six Conservative Council Leaders. The other six members are either Deputy Leaders, Mayors or political group leaders. All LGA Board members come from across the political spectrum.It is therefore nonsensical to suggest, as has been done, that Councillor Stephens should not accept the role with the LGA as it conflicts with his role and responsibilities on the Isle of Wight. To the contrary the role only enhances Councillor Stephens position and standing and places him and the Isle of Wight at the Top Table of the 433 local authorities in the United Kingdom and with direct access to Ministerial levels of Government.
Councillor Stephens said
“The LGA appointment is important for the Isle of Wight. It gives national recognition to the fact that the Isle of Wight is an important area for Tourism and means that the Independent Administration of the Isle of Wight Council can continue to build links with politicians and bodies across the water and across the political spectrum that can bring funding to the Island and help develop tourism, sport and culture as well as regeneration and employment. It is perhaps no surprise that this role has been offered to an area so important and significant for the tourism industry”
Image: © BBC Sunday Politics Show
