Isle of Wight Liberal Democrat councillors have confirmed that, as the second biggest party elected to the Council, they will form their own ‘Liberal Democrats’ group on Isle of Wight Council.
Constructive role in a hung council
Liberal Democrat group members include Andrew Garratt (Parkhurst and Hunnyhill), Michael Lilley (Ryde Appley and Elmfield), Mark Rochell (Bembridge) and Nick Stuart (Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet).
Liberal Democrat aims were set out in their manifesto Better Decisions. Better Services. Made Together. This can be downloaded from Andrew Garratt’s website.
Cost of living and road works dominate concerns
Group leader, Councillor Andrew Garratt, says,
“We shall play a constructive role in a council which, once again, has no group in overall control.
“Two issues stood out in this election: worries that the cost of living is spiralling upwards again, and the impact of poorly coordinated major road works on daily lives.
“Lib Dem councillors will continue to work to ensure that those most at risk of financial hardship are properly supported. We have consistently pressed for tackling poverty to be an overarching priority.
“Yet again major road works have caused massive disruption to residents. Businesses have lost vital trade. We are already pressing council officers for a complete rethink of road works planning to ensure that there is proper consultation and backed up by transparent decision-making, drawing on the experience of work done by Lib Dem councillors to ensure stakeholders met weekly during the two sets of extensive road works on Horsebridge Hill.
“High on our other priorities are protecting services for vulnerable people of all ages from the effects of repeated government cuts, pressing for developments to deliver housing that Islanders can afford to rent or buy, and for real investment in the Island from the new devolved combined authority.”
