The leader of the Isle of Wight Council has shared a New Year message to Islanders, criticising those not following the COVID rules and stating she fears we will have to live with COVID for years to come – as well as explaining the ‘major challenge’ of getting through the forthcoming budget.
Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox took up the role as leader back in May of this year when the Alliance Group replaced the Conservatives at the helm of the local authority. Back in November, just 6 months into the role, it was announced she was taking a short break to recharge her batteries.
As we head into 2022, Lora Peacey Wilcox has this message:
“We enter the new year with a mixture of uncertainty and hope.
“I would like to express my extended gratitude to all those across our Island who have worked tirelessly over the last two years, and who continue to work endlessly, to keep us safe, secure and provided for during the pandemic. Hopefully this coming year will provide us with the respite from heartache and tragedy we sorely need, however I fear we will have to live with the Covid virus and its variants for years to come.
“With that in mind, we must continue to protect ourselves and others as much as we can. I know that some people are not obeying the rules and guidance that exist at the moment. I would hope and encourage people to obey the rules as, at the end of the day, what do we have without our health and families.
“However, I would ask that, whatever you do in respect of your own personal safety, please respect others and think of them as you go about your daily activities. If you are travelling on the ferries or other public transport PLEASE wear a mask. If nothing else it protects the staff, without whom we won’t have transport services. Similarly, take regular lateral flow tests and don’t forget to use gel and wash your hands regularly. It is easy to forget such simple precautions but they are still valuable and important measures that will help us get through the pandemic.
“Many have now been able to get a booster jab, thanks in part to the sterling efforts made by our wonderful local volunteers. The Council is doing all it can to ensure boosters are available as well as taking steps to ensure supplies of lateral flow tests.
Article continues below this advertisement “We want to keep you and our precious Island safe as we go into 2022.
2022 Budget
“Since forming in May 2021 the Alliance administration has worked with the Island and its residents as its primary driving consideration. This has allowed us to get on with the job of trying to get away from the process of managing decline we have seen in previous years and to start to think and act positively for the Island. We still have the major challenge of getting through the forthcoming budget process in February. It has been shown time and again that we cannot rely on the Government for support. In December the Government once again failed to recognise the unique position of the Island in its financial settlement and, as a result, the Council has little option but to increase Council Tax to offset the government driven financial shortfall.
“We are therefore adopting a new strategy focussed on income generation and fresh, innovative schemes which will capitalise on all the good things we have on the Island. This strategy will take time to plan, evaluate and put into practice. As a result, in the short term, in light of the entrenched policies we have inherited, we still need to take unavoidable measures to deal with the ongoing cost pressures that Government funding shortfalls have forced upon us.
“However, this should mean we will be in a position to start taking things in a new and positive direction during the course of the next four years.
“So, whilst we still have the uncertainties of the pandemic, taking a sensible, prudent and pragmatic approach will mean we can manage the financial predicament and, together with the new approach the Alliance Administration is taking to managing Council affairs, we can realise the hopes we have to make 2022 a better year for all.
“A very peaceful and positive New Year”.
