Isle of Wight Council Job Losses

Island Liberal Democrat are appalled at the news that over 500 individuals are to lose their jobs within the Council. The impact on services, the Island's economy, and our communities will be devastating.

Lib Dem Council group leader, Reg Barry said "Lets be clear that the lion's share of next year's £17m cut is down to the financial mess generated by the Council's conservative administration. If they hadn't't allowed an £11 million hole to appear in the budget over the last three years, then George Osborne's £6m would be achievable. As it is, we are about to witness an act of municipal vandalism unparalleled in our Island's history.

"I have warned repeatedly about the financial mismanagement of this administration and it gives me no pleasure to be proved right. Five years ago balances stood at over £30m, the budget was balanced, and £10m was available fund the transition to higher levels of efficiency. Since then endless consultants from London, overpaid and overmanned senior staffing structures, witchhunts, lost grants, and a complete failure of strategic financial planning have left the coffers not only empty, but full of IOUs.

"What a contrast to the 2005 Tory manifesto, with its promises of top quality schools, roads, leisure and other front line services, cheap parking and 24/7 bus travel."

Jill Wareham, Lib Dem PPC in the 2010 general election added "These cuts will not only affect those who lose their jobs and their families, but are likely to yet again hit the most vulnerable on the Island. There appears to be no compassion by this administration and these job loses cannot be allowed to happen."