In his own words. Ed
This is not a complete list, but I’ve been adding to it as and when things pop into my head.
It’s what I would like to see from any incoming council in 2013. There are obviously more things to add, but I thought I would share it with OnTheWight readers.
Stopping the Rot
- A commitment of the highest priority to address failing schools
- A commitment of the highest priority to address failing IWC services
- Complete technical & legal review of PFI programme
- Moratorium & review of all public asset sales
- New & transparent dialogue with community over future of assets such as the Riverside Centre & Salisbury Gardens
- Issuing & implementation of Section 215, Urgent Works & Repairs notices on neglected buildings/sites in key villages & towns
- Replacement of the Communications Team with much smaller open & transparent Information Team – headed by a non-political Information Commissioner Role
Investment in the Future
- Investment in public realm – focused on resort towns & villages
- Recruit & Appoint talented CEO (potentially from different sector – not via local government gravy train)
- Complete review of senior IWC management structure
- Bring forward/fast track Cowes & East Cowes waterfront development sites
- Develop & implement clear economic strategy for Isle of Wight
- Develop & implement clear regeneration strategy for Sandown Bay Area
- Bring forward/fast track Newport Riverside development sites
- Develop innovative education pathways (16-21) & routes to employment
- Innovative use of public assets
- Cycle network development – complete ‘off-road’ network installed (four year plan) – connecting all major towns/regions
- Review of high-street business rates & development plan for each major Island town centre
Financing Change
- Reconnect with European funding programmes (be interesting to see total non-government grants value over past 15 years – will show dramatic fall since 2005/6-ish)
- Annual Council Tax rise in-line with inflation (capped at 3%)
- Use of public assets, where appropriate, with public consent, as leverage in local regeneration projects
- Decentralised services – allow Parish Councils to commission local services if can show reduced rate (grass cutting etc.) – share % of saving directly with Parish = the more efficient the more local investment/capital expenditure
- Private sector lease deal on public infrastructure – Ryde Harbour etc.
What would you like to see?
Do you agree/disagree? Are there things you’d like to add? Feel free to comment below and join in the conversation.
