Tackling poverty, supporting women moving on from trauma, and grant funding voluntary sector work in support of mental health would be given greater priority by Isle of Wight council under a budget amendment proposed by the council’s Liberal Democrat Group.
The group’s other proposals would see a pause in reductions to the opening days and hours of the council’s customer contact centre, an additional focus on community-led housing as part of delivering affordable housing for Islanders, and a reduction in the cost of traders’ parking permits.
Garratt: We would encourage community-led schemes
Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Councillor Andrew Garratt, says:
“The Liberal Democrat group broadly supports the budget proposed by the [Alliance] administration. The targeted investment towards affordable housing is particularly welcomed as an essential contribution to addressing poverty. As part of this we would encourage community-led schemes.
“Setting up the Community Capacity and Resilience Fund is also welcome as the Lib Dems have previously proposed similar funds. We believe that it should be doubled in size to £500,000 by consolidating it with £200,000 for the proposed ‘place/towns fund’ and adding a further £50,000 from the transformation reserve.
“As part of delivering on this money, we would particularly target initiatives that:
- address poverty, noting both the overarching commitment in the Corporate Plan, and the resolution of Full Council in March 2023 on child poverty
- allow grant funding of voluntary sector work in support of mental health
- provide peer support for women moving on after trauma
“As the customer contact centre continues to provide a vital service for many Islanders we propose pausing any cuts in its opening hours so that all data on its use can be properly scrutinised.
“We welcome the freezing of parking charges and floating bridge charges this year as part of recognising cost of living pressures. In one area, we believe the council should test market significantly lowering the cost of traders’ permits to establish if price has been a deterrent to take up.”
Redrup: A glaring gap in peer-support for women moving on after trauma
Councillor Sarah Redrup says,
“Since the heart-breaking closure of the Wight Dash women’s centre after 32 years in 2023, I have spoken to many Islanders who feel that there is a glaring gap in peer-support for women moving on after trauma. Domestic and sexual abuse is an incredibly isolating experience. But, peer support initiatives can be a powerful tool to help victim/survivors feel understood, believed and cared for.
“Our amendment would mean we could ear-mark significant funds for women and girls’ peer support. We are very lucky to have Men Only Isle of Wight who work really hard to provide a mental health peer support for men and hopefully, if our amendment passes, we could see something similar for women rise out of the ashes of Wight Dash.”
Lilley: A huge increase of depression and anxiety amongst Island residents
Councillor Michael Lilley says,
“Mental Health was a priority of the Alliance and they established a £50,000 annual grant fund with £100,000 being paid to over 28 groups led by myself as the council’s Mental Health Champion.
“This grant fund was cut by Public Health in 2023/24 although it has been very successful. Post Covid19 and cost-of-living crisis has shown a huge increase of depression and anxiety amongst Island residents and more than ever good local grassroots projects are needed such as Ventnor Well-Being cafe, Community Spirited in East Cowes, IW Men-Only and Veteran’s Hub in Ryde. This fund needs to be re-established as small grass-roots grants to peer support groups literally saves lives.”
Stuart: Homes for Islanders that are affordable to rent and buy
Councillor Nick Stuart says,
“Housing is critical and the council must do everything in its power to deliver homes that are affordable to rent and buy for Islanders.
“An important approach is community led housing that delivers small numbers of local properties for local people.
“Among the advantages is particularly that young people aren’t forced out of their communities because they can’t afford to buy or rent, which leads to communities retaining facilities and services such as local shops and schools that otherwise come under threat.”
News shared by Andrew on behalf of Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats. Ed
