Scrapping plans for speed cameras and delaying the introduction of contactless payment cards are among plans set out by Island Labour.
Ahead of May’s local elections, the party has revealed its political pledges for the Island - if it was to get its feet under the table at County Hall.
The manifesto centres around creating community wealth and aims to boost the Island’s economy by increasing spending on the Island by £40m to £60m a year.
It wants to generate income by investing in council housing and housing that is genuinely affordable, while not building on brownfield land.
It is also promising to invest in agricultural lands, such as county farms - to provide income and food supply resilience, as well as training for farm employees.
Island Labour wants a ‘more coherent parking strategy’ and is promising one hour free parking in local-authority run car parks and no charges after 6pm.
Other plans to help the Island’s high streets recover from the pandemic, include supporting local start-up businesses by converting empty shops.
Eliminating child poverty will also be a ‘key measure’ of all Labour-led council departments, as well as working with public health bodies to ensure Islanders can access ‘excellent ‘ services.
A Labour-led council also wants to turn the Isle of Wight into an exporter of renewable energy - with no place for fracking or oil drilling.
Richard Quigley, Island Labour Chair said:
“We are all aware of the effect ten years of austerity has had on local services. Despite a promise that it's over, we continue to see a reduction in services provided. The council calls this efficiency savings. We call it cuts. Cuts to services for Island residents.
“The Island deserves better. It deserves bold and transformative ideas and leadership, and that is what our manifesto offers. Central to our vision is building community wealth by spending more of the council budget with Island based businesses.
“To improve wages, increase jobs and improve job security. We will also replace lost government funding through an investment that provides income. The task is to build a resilient and thriving Island over the next decade.”
View the manifesto here.
Local elections take place on May 6.
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