Potential new Isle of Wight town and parish councillors gathered in Newport earlier this week (Thursday) to hear about the vital work local councils do and how they can be the councillors of the future.
‘Parish Futures’ is a voluntary initiative, inspired by the work of the Island Doughnut Economics group, the IOW Biosphere and Together For Mission Zero. They are searching for the next generation of parish councillors who will be the guardians of their local communities whilst also looking to bring forward much needed change.
Parish councils across the Isle of Wight are run by over 260 local councillors – the largest volunteer task on the Island. Collectively the 33 parishes will choose how to spend over £7 Million in their communities in 2025/26. The elections on 1st May 2025 will provide an exciting opportunity for more islanders to get involved – especially women, young people and those who do not usually feel that they can put themselves forward to be a councillor.
Future councillors in attendance were encouraged to hear testimonies from a range of speakers including ecologist Ian Boyd, Julie Hutchison from IWALC, Sarah Redrup from Wootton Bridge Parish Council and Mayor of Sandown Alex Lightfoot, before breaking out into geographical groups to discuss key priorities and what is hoped to be achieved in the next few years.
A spokesperson said:
“We are growing a movement of passionate individuals committed to shaping the future of local governance. In the next few weeks we will be asking even more Islanders to join us in promoting equality, opportunity, and positive change in every parish and community.
“We need common sense for the common good, a cause we share between generations. Together we can build a stronger, more representative community leadership which will serve the needs of all our citizens and our local environment.”
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You can find out more at www.parishfutures.org. The close of nominations is Wednesday 2nd April.
An online event for further details will be held on Tuesday 18th March (12:30).
I would like to see a reduction in costs for
struggling businesses and families.
Just what has that to do with this story?
Perhaps they didn’t have time to mention public loos and parking. They usually have it ready on speed-paste whenever the word ‘council’ triggers them. No idea what the ‘council’ does, mind. Or the idea of relevance.
I know one thing for sure, Councils don’t do a lot.
And for your information I don’t speed paste
I type my comments each time
I am that passionate about making the island
a safe place for everyone.
Councillors etc can make things happen.
Take for example in Sandown.
50p to use toilets. WHY, when we pay extortionate
council tax!
We seem to be paying twice for services.
Looks like a forum for Lefties and Greens. They have different aims than normal people!
Potential?
i do hope they are all born and bred islanders,most parish councils now seem to have retired teachers and the like from the mainland who have come over after getting their golden handshake and then refuse everything thats put before them because they dont want change,oooh we retired here as its so pretty and has lots of green fields for us to walk in,we wont allow any planning here as it ruins it for us attitude
it should be a main requirement,want to be on the parish councils?
then you must be born,and live here!
I wonder how many born and bred islanders
actually have a say to what goes on, on the
island, I doubt many, but too be honest it is
no different on the mainland.
That’s life!