By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Council is asking residents and organisations to give feedback on a new strategy to support Islanders living in poverty.
There has been a significant rise in the cost of living with significant effects on some of the Island’s most vulnerable residents.
The council is looking for a joint approach to create an anti-poverty strategy for the next five years.
Ian Lloyd, the council’s strategic manager for partnerships and support services, said: “We are living in challenging economic times, and no-one is immune from the current squeeze on finances, particularly with the rising costs of food and energy bills. Poverty is a complex issue and is driven by many factors.
“We are determined to do all that we can locally to support people through difficult times.”
The lack of an anti-poverty strategy has not stopped the Island from taking action during the cost of living crisis. The Island’s statutory services and communities have delivered support, advice and extra funding to residents in need.
A local anti-poverty strategy would focus on longer-term aspirations to bring about action on poverty for all Islanders. It could also set clear goals about tackling poverty, improve co-ordination between local organisations and set targets to demonstrate whether actions are effective.
Mr Lloyd added: “It is vital to work with local people through the organisations that are already supporting residents in the communities where they have chosen to live.
“This survey is the first step to help shape and inform the themes for follow on workshops for an Island strategy over the coming months. We would encourage residents and local organisations to participate.”
The survey is available for Islanders to complete at iw.observer/anti-povertystrategy. Organisations can take part at iw.observer/anti-poverty-orgs.
Mal Butler