Many Islanders have commented here OnTheWight that they were concerned about what they saw as the wholesale disposal of buildings (close to 80 at one point) under the control of the former Conservative-led Isle of Wight council.
Chief among their worries was that once the buildings were sold into private hands their use would be lost to future generations of Islanders.
Change
A source close to the council has told OnTheWight that the newly-elected Independent-led Isle of Wight councillors intend to put a halt on the sales.
Following that, the list of buildings previously being considered for disposal will be revisited and reviewed under the new leadership.
Full review of all capital receipts
OnTheWight are told that the Indies accept that some of the buildings on the list are surplus to requirements, however there are other properties – such as the Coastal Centre in Ventnor whose proposed-sale has attracted great opposition from Islanders – that should remain in the custody of the council.
The Indies feel that the outcome of the election made it clear the public have a desire to see a change to the way things happen at County Hall. The newly-elected councillors say they are listening and plan to make the decision-making process more accessible to the public.
Localism put to the test
OnTheWight understands that rather than the sales just being handed down through Delegated Decisions as a ‘fait accompli’, there will be what is being referred to as ‘meaningful’ consultation with relevant town and parish councils regarding council-owned buildings in their districts, before decisions are made.
Our source said,
“Finally we’ll get to see what Localism can do.”
Sounds encouraging.
Former delegated decision
Readers will remember the delegated decision made by former Cabinet member, George Brown in August 2012 approving the list of properties the council owns and wanted to sell.
It was referred to as the ‘Capital Receipts Disposals Programme’ and named over 80 council-owned properties that the council were actively considering disposing of.
Further reading
- Read more information about Localism Act
- Island Independent’s Framework for Change
