Members of the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils have lobbied local MP Bob Seely over the lack of direct funding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today marks the National Association of Local Councils (NALC)’s annual Lobby Day. This is a day when parish and town councils throughout England lobby the government about issues of concern to them and their communities.
To mark the occasion, the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC) held a meeting with Bob Seely MP on 28th January. IWALC is a membership organisation, representing 25 of the Island’s 33 parish and town councils.
Parish and town councils have played a major role during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting local residents in many ways. However, they have had no direct funding from the government. At the meeting, IWALC members asked Bob Seely to request the Government to rectify this.
Diana Conyers, Ryde Town Councillor and Chair of IWALC, said:
“IWALC was set up during the Second World War to coordinate local relief efforts. Over the last year we have had to face a similar crisis and, once again, local councils have rallied to the cause. They have worked in partnership with community organisations, local volunteers, the Isle of Wight Council and the NHS to provide much-needed support. However, we could have done even more if we had received funding directly.”
Members also asked the MP to request the Government to extend the current permission for councils to meet virtually rather than face-to-face (which expires on 7th May), at least until the pandemic is over, and to issue a clear policy statement regarding the May local government elections.
Bob Blezzard, Lake Parish Councillor and IWALC’s representative to NALC, has said:
“It takes time and money to prepare for elections, so we need to know now whether they are definitely going ahead and, if so, how they will be conducted safely. We can’t afford a last-minute U-turn.”
The meeting also discussed issues of specific local concern. Responding to questions about the unreasonably high housing targets on the Island, the MP explained that he is lobbying the government to either extend the Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) or, preferably, designate the whole Island as some sort of ‘Island Park’. He also acknowledged the need for more affordable housing and, in particular, social housing.
Delaying confirmation of the elections means new candidates have less time to canvass support, which of course works in favour of the established administrations.
But if Bozo thinks a “last-minute U-turn” will improve his popularity, that’s what he’ll do and bu**er the consequences.
Quote:the Isle of Wight Council to provide much-needed support. Ha they take our out support directly out of our pockets and now they want more. They should never be trusted with any funds, they will just waste it on doing nothing.
Affordable housing for the IOW, biggest load of BS you’ve ever heard. On the old Harcourt Sands sight they are building Hauf Houses. Pre-fabricated they may be but boy are they of excellent design and build quality made in Germany. Not an affordable house for someone wanting to get onto the housing ladder by any stretch of your imagination. This council must think we are all half wits.
The current set up will be hard to break, as each supports the other thus have a ‘lot’ to lose.
Ha
Bozo and Seeley promised us increased funding for the Island Deal. It never happened.
Why would anyone trust these liars.