Environment and Sustainability Forum
It is always good to start the year with some good news. Over recent months, many residents have asked me when the successful Isle of Wight Council (IWC) Community Plastic and Environmental Forum would restart. The old forum that I set up brought together county/parish/town councillors, residents, businesses and environmental groups to discuss environmental matters that concern the Island. The forum is being replaced with the Environment and Sustainability Forum (ESF), which will include and support the IWC’s work towards sustainability, decarbonisation, and promoting the circular economy. The monthly forum will support and feed into the task and finish group for the Scrutiny Committee for Environment and Regeneration which has the remit to develop an action plan for the IWC to be net zero carbon by 2030.
The aim of the ESF is to debate and discuss (in a non-political manner), ways in which the residents, businesses and the IWC can develop plans for a sustainable zero carbon future.
I see this as a positive step forward, following on from the previous forum and the excellent improvement in waste recycling on the Isle of Wight since 2016. Below are some of the topics proposed for discussion at the forum during 2021:
Heat decarbonisation grant
Climate and environment strategy to 2030
Isle of Wight circular economy
Westminster’s 10-point plan for net zero by 2050 and what it means for the Isle of Wight
Sustainable transport (EV and IoW charging; transition to EVs and active travel)
Carbon Management plan to 2030
IWC climate communications
Climate education strategies
Hedgerows and road verge rewilding
Energy From Waste plant launch / waste management update
Sustainable tourism
Green local business
Government grants for home heat decarbonisation / renewable energy
If you are interested in joining this forum please send an email with your details to sustainability@iow.gov.uk
This month’s forum will be held on 18th February at 17:30 (via MS Team). Voting from home (simple and safe)
At the time of writing the local elections are due to take place on 6th May 2021 and it is unconfirmed whether there will a postponement due to the Covid-19 pandemic. One option that many residents have asked me about is postal voting. This obviously saves time and means that you do not have to attend a polling station in person. Any registered electors can choose to vote by post, and you have the option to request a postal vote for a specific election, for a set time period, or to run indefinitely. There is a very simple postal vote application form to complete, which has only eight questions on one page. The form can be found at https://www.iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/Electoral-Registration/Postal-Votes.
If you have a problem with obtaining a form via the website, please contact me and I will ensure that you receive a copy. The form needs to be returned to the Electoral Services Department, to be received by 17:00 on the eleventh working day before an election.
COVID-19
If you need help, please telephone the Isle of Wight Council (IWC) Coronavirus helpline 01983 823 600 or, for the latest advice, please visit the IWC COVID-19 website: https://keeptheislandsafe.org/ where residents can subscribe to receive email updates from the IWC.
If required, Island residents can access mental health support and advice online at https://www.iwmentalhealth.co.uk
I continue to be available to assist residents so please do not hesitate to contact me if required.
Keep safe and healthy.
Meetings
To ensure safety, meetings continue to be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. Agendas for forthcoming meetings will be available for public viewing 5 working days before the meeting.
February 2021 IWC dates for your diary:
9th February 17:00 Corporate Scrutiny Committee
11th February 12:00 Local Outbreak Engagement Board
11th February 17:00 Cabinet
18th February 17:30 Environment and Sustainability Forum
22nd February 10:00 Appeals Sub Committee
24th February 17:00 Full Council
Email: Michael.murwill@iow.gov.uk
Facebook: Councillor Michael Murwill
Twitter: @cllrmurwill
Tel: 07754 463 040