Councillor Ian Stephens

Annual Report 2023

Councillor Ian Stephens – Ryde West Ward

2022-2023 has seen the cost of living bring homelessness and poverty, part of my cabinet remit. Utilising the hubs created during the Covid pandemic to support the voluntary sector and assist with creating Community Pantries in five locations. During the Winter warm spots have been created providing places to shelter and seek advice whilst keeping warm and obtaining sustenance. More information is on the Council’s website with links to the Footprint Trust, Citizens Advice Bureau and others. The voluntary organisations have supported the under-pressure Social Services Department.

The Homelessness figures and those in temporary accommodation has increased and the Council has been actively seeking ways to address the problem. I have instigated research into  empty properties and we are attempting to bring those back into use with a willingness by the property owners. Currently we are utilising hotels, caravans and B&Bs as temporary accommodation however we need to endeavour to bring forward temporary stock of our own. I am working with HAs and others to bring forward opportunities and push forward the social housing agenda. We need housing which is affordable to Island people both purchased and rented. We are negotiating to bring forward IWC land which can be cleared by government brownfield release grant funding to provide new opportunities.

I continue to work within my ward of Ryde West and met with Environmental Officers and PCSOs to raise the profile on anti-dog fouling and litter with signage and heightened patrols. Vandalism and Anti-Social Behaviour are being addressed through liaising with the Constabulary and Community Safety Partnership. I have met with the Head of Ryde Academy and we are seeking positive steps to address school premises boundary problems and are looking to fence in the area locally known as the Squirrel Dell. For more detail please contact me via the website or contact numbers. 

Ian Stephens

May 2023