The Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats share their thoughts on what could help the Island’s long term financial position. Ed

The Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats have announced their support for new, small businesses setting up on the Island, as part of their 2016 fight back campaign.

The Lib Dems believe small businesses are the key to helping produce an economic alternative on the Island, that would see the Island’s financial problems ease and become more secure over time.

For the past view months, the Lib Dems have been speaking with small businesses and local people, and have welcomed new investment by established firms like Red Funnel who are building their new Redjet catamaran on the Island.

Driving employment up

The Lib Dems believe that attracting small all-year-round businesses to set up, including new technology firms alongside established companies, will help drive employment up and take the burden off public finances.

Bob Packham, Chair of the Party said:

“We have been working very hard in the last few months to figure out with the best way to get through this current financial crisis. “There has been a lot of argument over cuts and not much has been achieved from that debate. While we are opposed to the cuts, there is truth that the Island finances are too reliant on money from the government. “What we want to see is the Island use the devolved business rates powers from the government, so that the Island can get the most out this new income source. “This is potential the Island has and already some small businesses have set up, but there needs to be better support to nurture and help that grow. We believe small businesses, regeneration and supporting remaining in the EU are the key concepts to securing Island finances.”

“Green Shoots”

The Isle of Wight Lib Dems have highlighted the need for certain changes to the Council’s structure which would allow them to help encourage small businesses.

While full details won’t be finalised until their own manifesto for 2017 Council elections has been confirmed, certain levels of de-regulation could be put forward in order to help these green shoots businesses to grow as part of a wider push to encourage more business. These were all put forward and discussed at the Lib Dem members meeting last Friday.

New Island Lib Dems members were also invited to have their say on how the Lib Dems should go forward for Island.

Nicholas Belfitt, Head of the Liberal Youth on the Island, added,

“When I have been down Sandown it’s a lovely place to walk. But it’s a shame to see sometimes bordered up lines of shops that seem to be left with a for sale sign for a while. “Sometimes it seems that small businesses have to jump through a lot of hoops in order to set up. We want to encourage friendly community business. “If we can work to make it easier and bring retail back to high streets it would be good for the whole community. “I was glad to see the Isle of Wight Lib Dems taking an initiative outside the normal debate to make sure they had a policy that was about regeneration, not just degradation. For young Islanders they need jobs and careers and we have to help support them.”

The Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats will be holding events in both Newport and Ryde on the 8th and 9th April as part of their pro-EU INtogether campaign where they will also be helping Islanders to register for the upcoming referendum.

For more information on the events you can go to their Website.