Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats

In his keynote speech to the Liberal Democrat Conference, Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has outlined his goals for the Government and the country over the coming years. He reiterated his commitment to liberal values on the environment and human rights and his determination to ensure a fair chance for every child, saying "every child can do good things, great things, if only we give them the opportunities they deserve."

Lib Dem candidate for the forthcoming Binstead and Fishbourne by-election, Tim Wakeley, has pledged to resist Conservative cuts in a letter to postal voters...

Dear Resident,

On June the 23rd there will be a By-Election in Binstead and Fishbourne and with your help we can strengthen opposition to the damaging cuts to front line public services that meet the needs of the elderly, the young and the most vulnerable in our community.

Tim Wakeley is standing as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Isle of Wight Council by-election for Binstead and Fishbourne on 23 June 2011.

Tim pledges to resist cuts and demonstrate viable alternatives. Currently, Tim is seeking to limit damage being done to the Island Youth Service whilst 'brokering' a deal between the IOW Council and Ryde Town Council to re-open the public conveniences in Binstead.

From Wednesday 6 April 2010, nearly 900,000 people across the country have been lifted out of paying Income Tax while around 23m basic-rate tax payers will get an extra £200 in their pockets.

The news has been welcomed by Reg Barry, Leader of the Lib Dem Group in County Hall who said: "I am proud that thanks to Liberal Democrats in Government, almost a million people will be lifted out of paying tax altogether across the country, while 23m people will get a tax cut."

It is understood that the date for consideration of the Youth Service Review has been pushed back to 10 May 2011 as councillors have "asked for further detail regarding what alternative arrangements will be put in place before decisions are taken".

Ryde Town Councillor, Tim Wakeley, says: "This provides further opportunity for questions to be asked about the apparent lack of consultation with Police and with the young people who are in membership of the centres proposed for closure".

The future of the Island Youth Service is facing major changes. Tim Wakeley, whose career spans forty years of working with young people including as a Head of Youth Service, has written to all Unitary and Parish councillors. Below is the full text of his letter.

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It is with deep concern for the well being of young people on the Island that I write to you in advance of the impending decision on the future of the Island Youth Service.

There is still a lot of confusion surrounding the PFI proposals and this is not helped when Cllrs Pugh and Brown fail to provide answers and walk out on meetings where rational debate should be taking place (25th March 2011).

Reg Barry (Lib Dem Group Leader) commented that "more questions need asking and further clarification given, so that confused Tory County Councillors and the public have a better understanding of the long term financial implications for the PFI to make sure we do not commit the Island to a 25 years repayment programme we cannot afford".

The Spring newsletter for local Liberal Democrat members and supporters is now available.

Among the articles are reports on the welcome decision for the Island to have its own two MPs, not shared with the mainland, and on how the Lib Dems worked with others to try to stop some of the worst parts of the council cuts put forward by the ruling Conservative group.

On 5th May you have a choice. You can keep the discredited First Past the Post system to elect our MPs, or you can choose a new and fairer system - Alternative Vote (AV). Back the campaign for change at www.YesToFairerVotes.org

AV is a small change that makes a big difference.

Saying YES! to Fairer Votes Means:

The Liberal Democrat group on the Isle of Wight Council have welcomed the Independent Group's efforts to prevent damaging cuts to front line services proposed by the ruling Conservative Group.

However, two particular concerns not covered by the Independent Group's proposals, have been addrwssed in an amendment to the Independent Group's proposals as set out below: