This update has been received from John Luckett – Ed.
Following my written invitation to ALL Isle of Wight Councillors to work with a care worker for a day (link), I am pleased to report that four Councillors (listed below) have taken up the challenge and shifts will be facilitated for them in the New Year.
- Jonathan Bacon
- Chris Welsford
- Patrick Joyce
- Rodney Downer
No Conservatives yet
Sadly no one from Conservative ruling group has accepted – but I live in hope that maybe more than one will be brave enough.
I received an e-mail from one of the Conservative Councillors indicating that Mr Pugh was going to respond direct to me following my Open Letter and the issues I raised. As yet I still have not had a written response, I hope he does not think his verbal response will suffice.
This also indicates that Mr Pugh will be responding on behalf of ALL Conservative Councillors.
A ‘visit’ no substitute for what it’s like
Mr Pugh said at Cabinet that he would be prepared to visit establishments, but this is no substitute for experiencing what actually is involved in caring for someone. Far from “inappropriate” I think it would be wholly appropriate for the very people who control the resources to gain the insight into the consequences of their decisions.
Therefore – my invitation remains open…
There is still time before Budgets are voted through in February for Councillors to take advantage of this opportunity enabling them to make informed decisions.
Also, after stating publicly in response to my question that they vote freely and not en bloc at Cabinet Meeting, I am puzzled as to why he feels it necessary to write on his colleague’s behalf.
Does he not trust his fellow Councillors to respond how he wishes?
Or contradictory to his statement have they been told NOT to respond to me?
Apparently this issue has moved on and rules have been published in local media that show block voting goes on (link), so I now find it hard to view any response from Mr Pugh with any credibility. It is also not a nice feeling to appear to have been lied to publicly.
State Of The Island Debate called for
On positive side I welcome any action and discussion such as a State Of The Island Debate called for by Cllr Stephens and have already offered my support for this.
Anything, which means those vulnerable members of our Island community stand a better chance of getting the support they need and that our Council (whatever political persuasion) are more transparent and accountable for their actions.
John Luckett
Image: photosteve101 under a CC BY 2.0 license
