In the run-up to the Isle of Wight local election on 2nd May, OnTheWight will be publishing election manifestos for all parties with candidates standing for county council seats.
This in from Andrew Garratt on behalf of the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats. Ed
After eight years in power at County Hall, the Conservatives have failed Island residents. Basic services, such as libraries and public toilets, have been savagely cut. Our roads and pavements are crumbling away. Appallingly, under Conservative leadership, the Island has one of the worst services for vulnerable children in England.
The Island’s Liberal Democrat proposals would help give us a fresh start.
We will invest urgently to bring services for vulnerable children up to the standards that should be expected. We will ensure all staff get appropriate training and support.
We will work with the new “Island Roads” partnership to ensure that the massive government grant that the Island has had to be given is spent efficiently and effectively. We will press for local residents to be informed and involved so that their views and knowledge are taken on board in setting priorities. We will work for the infrastructure needed to be sited to minimise disruption to residents.
Public transport is vital for the Island. We will continue to support the concessionary bus passes. We will continue to work in partnership with others for ferry services that meet residents’ needs.
The Island needs more affordable housing to rent and buy. We will work to bring empty properties back into use. We will work with housing associations and others to ensure that new developments provide sufficiently for the needs of local people.
The Island has a higher rate of unemployment than the UK average. We will work with local business to set priorities for inward investment, promote apprenticeship schemes, and market the Island as an all-year-round destination for visitors.
We will prioritise environmental initiatives that help the Island become a sustainable place to work and live, while continuing to protect its outstanding natural beauty.
Too many Council decisions have been made by a small number of Conservative councillors. We will open up the Council so that councillors have a real chance to represent their constituents, and so that residents’ views are properly taken into account.
Above all, we will work to make sure that Council Tax is spent wisely to keep rises down while ensuring vital services are appropriately funded.
