The Isle of Wight Council Leader and a strong delegation of Conservative councillors have been lobbying Ministers and sharing political insights with Conservative councillors from all around the country.
Council and Conservative Group Leader, Dave Stewart, led the delegation today (Friday) to the Annual Conference of the Conservative Councillors’ Association in Warwick, where he was able to speak to Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid MP, and members of the Local Government Department’s Ministerial Team about a range of issues affecting the Island.
Speaking today, Councillor Stewart said:
“This has been a fantastic opportunity to meet Ministers to take forward discussions about our plans for economic regeneration on the Island and for creating one public service. We’re also exploring with colleagues how best we can work together with other authorities to take forward the devolution agenda so that more decisions can be taken locally rather than in Whitehall.”
The delegation, which also included Councillors Wayne Whittle, Tig Outlaw, Paul Brading, Clare Mosdell, Stephen Hastings, Chris Quirk, Michael Beston and Ian Ward, took part in sessions addressing key issues including planning, rural housing and digital connectivity, all of which are currently the focus of many aspects of the Isle of Wight Council’s work.
Cllr Stewart added:
“Funding for the Council’s work is very high on our agenda at present having just set a challenging budget earlier this week, so we’re also exploring with colleagues how to access additional money, such as the Housing Infrastructure Fund”.
