This from the Island Independents in their own words – Ed
In a historic move, Island Independents have signalled their intention to form the first wholly-independent council since 1973, following their victory in last week’s local elections. The group comprises twenty Independent Councillors who have all signed up to the Bell Principles of Independent Political Conduct.
Framework for Change
Island Independents will now embark on the programme of reform set out in their Framework for Change. This will result in constitutional changes that will result in a return to more transparent, accountable and democratic governance for the Island.
Comprehensive review of all services
There will also be a comprehensive review of all services, as promised by the group in the lead up to the election. The aim will be to ensure that the Council is fulfilling its statutory obligations in all areas and to uncover and expose any possible weaknesses in its service to the public, which can then be addressed.
The leadership and the cabinet as well as the traditional roles of chairman and vice-chairman will be determined at the Council’s annual general meeting on 15 May. The group hopes to move towards filling some of these positions with more than one person to reduce overburdening individuals. It is envisaged that allowances too will be shared. It is felt that this will help to reduce the risk of autocratic decision-making and bring more experience and knowledge to bear on these challenging roles.
Number of delegated decisions to drop
The number of delegated decisions is expected to fall radically under the new administration, as it moves away from the Cabinet style of government towards a more open and inclusive Committee based system.
Stephens: “Opportunity to make a real difference”
Speaking on behalf of the group, Councillor Ian Stephens said,
“This heralds the start of a new era in the life of the Isle of Wight Council. We now have the opportunity to make a real difference to lives of Islanders, businesses and visitors.
“We hope to set in place a new era of leadership and collaborative decision-making that takes a more inclusive, transparent approach and one that listens and responds to the needs of the Island community.
“Our hope is to maintain our ethos of people before politics and to work with the many hard-working staff at the Isle of Wight Council to deliver and improve the services that are so vital to our residents.”
Image: Simon Haytack under CC BY 2.0
