The Liberal Democrat Group have set out their priorities for engaging with the Government ahead of tonight’s (Wednesday’s) debate at County Hall on Labour’s devolution proposals.
Local Lib Dems say that the Isle of Wight Council must remain a standalone unitary authority, as it has been for nearly 30 years, and must not be merged with mainland councils – a position shared with the Conservatives.
With the prospect that this May’s local elections may be postponed, the Lib Dems say this must not happen, allowing residents to exercise their democratic right to choose their representatives after 4 years of service.
Furthermore, it’s said that devolution must come with powers and oversight on critical issues, particularly cross-Solent transport and the design and delivery of healthcare that is focused on the unique needs of the Isle of Wight.
Leader of the Lib Dem group, Councillor Andrew Garratt, says:
“It’s astonishing that the government published sweeping proposals on local government in a White Paper barely a week before Christmas, and followed up with a letter demanding a decision from the council by 10 January. We hope that the government will recognise that rushing things along will make it harder to get devolution right.
“In principle, we support devolution, moving decision-making away from Whitehall and closer to local communities. However, how the new strategic authority is set up must recognise the Island’s unique situation and ensure that our voice is heard as loudly as any of our mainland neighbours.
“Although the government’s White Paper covers bus and rail transport, it neglects ferries – a crucial issue that holds back the Island’s local economy and limits opportunities for innovation. This is symptomatic of central government thinking only of mainland England and overlooking the Isle of Wight. The government must put this right.
Article continues below this advertisement “As a unitary authority delivering the full range of council services for nearly thirty years there is no case for Isle of Wight Council to be merged with mainland councils. The extra costs we face require fair funding for the Isle of Wight from central government – they won’t magically disappear just by making us part of a bigger cross-Solent unitary authority.
“Finally, elections in May must go ahead. Residents rightly expect to have their say on who represents them, particularly in ensuring that devolution truly benefits the Island.”
I would not expect anything else from the lib desperatures, consider all the out of work councillors if we had a unified authority who make thousands a year just from the odd zoom call from their sofa, the economies of scale would be huge.
Od dear libdems..never have never will be anything thing….just disband and have done with it..
The Post Office Scandal did not do the Lib Dems
any favours.
Nick Clegg selling his sole to the devil did not do Lib Dems any favours.
Why!
If the mainland takes control of the island it will
be better for the people of the island, also the
Island should be able to save money by reducing the
amount of unnesseccary staff the council employs.
Bring it on, the island is a DINOSAUR the way it is!
Make sure you stick to your guns
One thing is certain, if the Island ceases to have its own local authority it will have lost that situation for ever. There will be no going back so it is vital to be sure before that irrevocable step is taken. I can’t help feeling that as part of a larger arrangement, the Island will always be the poor relation.