Further details of the Isle of Wight Council Conservative Group’s alternative budget proposals have been announced with a suggestion from Cllr Wayne Whittle (Ryde North East) that leisure centres should be run on a “cost neutral” basis to secure their long term future and that proposed hikes in car parking charges should be looked at again.

The priorities underpinning the budget plans being proposed by the Independent Controlling Group on the Isle of Wight Council have been questioned by the Conservative Group of councillors.

Conservative Group members on the Isle of Wight Council meet this weekend to finalise their budget proposals which they will then invite full council to consider at the budget meeting in February.

A meeting held at County Hall this week (Monday 11th November) with Hovertravel was described as “most productive” by the Conservative Group of councillors who particularly welcome the fact that Hovertravel remains on course to introduce two new hovercraft to serve the Ryde to Southsea route.

A group of Conservative Councillors have met with WightLink Chief Executive, Russell Kew, to discuss ways in which the company and the Conservative Group can work constructively together for the good of the Island.

The newly formed Conservative Group on the Isle of Wight Council yesterday evening (7th May) selected their new Group Leader following last week’s council elections – he is Cllr Dave Stewart – the councillor for Chale Niton and Whitwell.

On Thursday 2nd May elections took place for the Isle of Wight Council. The Conservative Group went into the election with 24 out of 40 seats, and after the count had finished on Friday 3rd May, had won 15 seats (a net loss of 9 seats). As a result the Conservatives lost control of the local authority.

The Island Conservatives have published their full manifesto for the 2013 local elections, which every Island voter will have the opportunity to support on polling day. The plans – Working Together For Our Island’s Future – have been developed by the 40-strong team of candidates, after listening to what residents and businesses have told them over the past few months.

With two weeks until nominations close, the Island Conservatives have unveiled a team of 40 candidates, giving every voter on the Isle of Wight the opportunity to choose a Conservative councillor. This includes 17 sitting councillors and 23 new candidates.

A major new housing policy that ends the lifetime entitlement to social housing has been agreed, alongside a plan to give extra priority to residents who make a contribution to society.