IW Labour reveals 2009 Local Elections Manifesto

Press Release: 1st March 2009

YOUR ISLAND, YOUR COUNCIL" - IW LABOUR'S ASPIRATIONS FOR THE IW COUNCIL FROM JUNE

After 6 month's consultation with party members and supporters Island Labour has today published its 2009 Local Election Manifesto, which reveals its aspirations for the IW Council after the June local elections.

Labour recognises that having influence at County Hall rather than power is its realistic target, though it plans to field candidates in a majority of the Island's 39 new wards.

Labour agent, current IW Cllr Geoff Lumley said, " For the last 4 years we have been recognised by all fair commentators as the only effective opposition group at County Hall. We now hope to build upon that reputation by securing a larger group of councillors at the June elections who can exercise far more influence at County Hall. We believe that our Manifesto offers Islanders many good reasons to vote Labour at a local level. By releasing it early we are giving Islanders plenty of time to consider our aspirations. I believe very strongly that it will chime well with the hopes of ordinary Islanders."

End (manifesto follows)

YOUR ISLAND, YOUR COUNCIL: Island Labour’s Plans from 2009

From June 2009 Labour Councillors at County Hall will seek to achieve or exert influence upon the following-

YOUR COUNCIL TAX

Guarantee to limit Council Tax increases to no more than the maximum allowed by Government – usually the inflation rate.

Aim only to use Council reserves and balances for projects that deliver a public asset, such as a swimming pool or day centre for vulnerable people.

Commit to delivering efficiencies year on year in line with Government targets.

· Choose the Council’s own staff before extortionate outside consultants.

YOUR SCHOOLS & YOUR CHILDREN

Reject the current school closure programme and support small schools, recognising their importance and value to local communities

Fully implement the government’s ‘Reducing Surplus Places Strategy ‘ and work to reduce the size of our secondary schools

· Introduce free school meals for all primary and middle school children.

YOUR HOMES

Ensure that all new housing developments include at least 33% affordable homes, and at least 50% when built on Council owned land.

Target more Council resources on converting empty properties into homes for hard-pressed local people.

Offer dedicated staff, and work in partnership with other organisations, to provide more support and help with the legal system to prevent Islanders from losing their homes unnecessarily, and improve services such as debt counselling.

YOUR TRAVEL

Pursue a flat rate bus fare of £1 for 19-59 year olds - 50p for 5-19.

Roll-out a free ‘park & ride’ scheme for Island towns, and ensure buses connect with other public transport links.

Make car parking more accessible for local shoppers, whilst increasing the costs of long-stay parking and permits (over 4 hours).

YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Initiate the further development of alternative energy systems based upon LOCAL production and supply that are fuel efficient and powered by renewable energy sources.

Establish annual community and individual carbon emission targets, monitored by local forums in liaison with elected members.

YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE

Offer free swimming in public pools for the over 60’s

Provide the driving force and co-ordination for an annual Island-wide Cultural and Arts Festival, which stimulates the diversity of our community and encourages the involvement of young people.

YOUR HEALTH AND CARE

Increase support for patient and carer travel to mainland hospitals.

Improve support for carers – through faster assessments and more respite and day care services.

LAW & ORDER IN YOUR COMMUNITIES

Seek to improve cooperation with pubs, clubs and outlets selling alcohol to reduce anti-social behaviour in the night-time economy.

Abolish the existing Environmental & Neighbourhood Officer scheme and introduce a more effective and cost-effective Local Community Warden scheme in areas of anti-social behaviour.

Increase resources for CCTV monitoring capacity

QUALITY JOBS FOR ISLAND PEOPLE

Work with IW College and employers to provide the courses and training for the jobs of the future.

Push the IW Council to take the lead with quality modern apprenticeships

HELPING TOURISM

Commit to investing a proportion of car parking charges to improving amenities - for example, decorative flowers and safety improvement along the sea fronts - and the appearance of the towns where visitors stay.

Cllr Deborah Gardiner

Leader of Labour Group at County Hall

& Chair of Isle of Wight Labour Party

on behalf of all Labour candidates for the IW Council

March 2009