Letter: Islanders voted for change and for a council that is on their side

News OnTheWight always welcomes a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below.

This from Richard Quigley, Isle of Wight councillor for Cowes North (Labour). Ed

I got into politics to improve the lives of people on our Island by eliminating poverty, providing the chance for everyone to have their own front door and use community wealth building to enrich Island living.

To that end, I am glad that the controlling Alliance group have now found a way of providing school meal vouchers this half term, despite the withdrawal of the government funding. £15 per child for those that qualify is, unfortunately, a real lifeline.

Unnecessary stress caused to families
My concern is with the unnecessary stress caused to families that are struggling to make ends meet, when it appeared that the voucher system would not be in operation (as reported by News OnTheWight), despite being available elsewhere in the country.

I am fighting to right the injustice of ten-plus years of needless Conservative lead austerity, a political choice that has pushed ordinary working people to the edge of despair.

Will hold Cabinet member to account
During the first round of vouchers in early 2020, the then Cabinet holder, Conservative Cllr Paul Brading was unclear in his approach to providing much needed help. I gave him a hard time about it and I will do the same for Cllr Debbie Andre.

The measures announced yesterday by the Chancellor are welcome, but let’s be honest, that money is going straight to paying increasing energy bills and the cost of living rises, no one is going to be better off. Just slightly less worse off.

Islanders voted for change
The people of the Island voted out the Conservative administration in May 2021, they voted for hope, for a change, for a council that is on their side.

That is the message the Alliance need to keep at the front of their minds.