JULIE JONES-EVANS

INDEPENDENT
FOR
THE ISLE OF WIGHT

AN ISLAND
MANIFESTO
A PLAN FOR
WELLBEING & PROSPERITY
GENERAL ELECTION
JUNE 8TH 2017
Independent Parliamentary Candidate
#JJEMP
Printed by Julie Jones-Evans at 80 St James Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1LG and promoted by and on behalf of Julie Jones-Evans 53 Victoria Road, Newport, Isle of Wight,
PO30 2HB

1 Copyright Julie Jones-Evans 17-05-17

 JULIE JONES-EVANS
Independent Parliamentary Candidate - An Island Manifesto

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this evolving document.

It can continue to be refined as ideas flow and grow.

General Election 2017

Whoever is leading the Government on June 9th, the Isle of Wight will not be their top priority, however as
the Islands MP it will be my single point of focus. Many people feel it is time we had someone representing
them that will be solely focused on representing the Island because successive Governments have failed to
understand the unique challenges we face. We know we have the ability to progress with a hand up, not just
handouts. I believe we should be looking for an Island deal, an opportunity for real localism, to enable
effective local governance and a chance to steer ourselves to a place of wellbeing and prosperity.

WELLBEING & PROSPERITY

1. Economic -Building a strong, resilient and competitive economy

3. Principles 2. Social - supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities
3. Environment Protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment

Economy:
Small business micro funding and improved support.
Cut VAT for Tourism.
Circular Economy and the Island pound.
Transport:
Back the feasibility study to determine facts regarding any fixed link.
Work on solutions for rural bus travel.
Create infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists for able-bodied and disabled users.
Road safety -20mph in residential streets and town and village centres.
Education:
Make wellbeing as important as learning.
Rebalance academic and vocational studies.
Adjust the school terms for improved family life and educational attainment.
Early Special Educational Needs diagnosis with ongoing support.
Health:
Support the team at St Marys Hospital for improving and retaining services.
Increase mental health provision for early intervention, especially for anxiety.
Adult Social Care, lobby to end the post code lottery of care.
More care for carers, so they can continue to support their loved ones.
Raise aspirations for young people to choose a career in health
Housing:
Build affordable rental properties in sustainable brown-field sites.
Support housing that can be built quickly using pre-fabricated methods.
Counter the negative effects that land banking can have on a community.
Environment
Campaign for a smart grid for solar energy
Wind turbines in industrial parks, the Island a beacon for green energy
Protect our AONB status
Speak up for farmers and fishermen in Brexit negotiations

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ECONOMY
Any thriving economy must be developed with the goal of wellbeing for the people and because it should be
sustainable, we need to have an idea of what is enough. How much do we need to grow? What do we
actually need to live happy fulfilled lives, that leaves the minimum of environmental footprint? These are
important questions and move away from the old agenda of ever increasing growth because we have no
choice but to redefine what is real wealth. I believe this can be based on wellbeing and a more equal society.
The economics of the past few years appears to me to have created more inequality, because it was based
on the unlimited growth model of economics that we have been delivering for the last century. I believe we
have to move to a place of enough not more, more, more and then there will be enough for everyone.

We should look to create a strong manufacturing base, a strong productive economy that creates well paid,
highly skilled jobs so we can redistribute the wealth. Other economic activity, such as retail and services can
build on that because it would be responding to demand. We cannot build a sustainable economy on the
back of retail. For example the new Asda will predominately create low paid, lower skilled jobs and the
profits will go off Island.

With increased wealth we can then support our vulnerable residents, our valued services and even create
more ways to support each other.

Small business support: I will campaign to deliver micro-funding opportunities for small Island businesses.

The beating heart of our economy, over 60% of all Islanders work in a small or medium sized enterprise
(SME) and 92% of businesses are SMEs -this is a vital part of our Island economy. As a small business owner,
working in family businesses for 40 years, a business member of the Solent LEP and a representative of a
national small business organisation, I understand the obstacles that many face and also the huge amount of
sheer hard work that people do to fulfil their passions. I will work to make micro financing available and
improved mentoring to support SMEs who are often overlooked because the funding available from our
Local Enterprise Partnership is mostly for larger projects requiring sizable sums of money. Further
administrative burdens on small businesses can obstruct many firms reaching their potential and creating
more jobs.

I also support the following national policy objectives to support the self-employed and our high streets,
because by helping SMEs we can make the greatest positive impact on our economy.
Make it easier for small firms to export
Make the worst examples of supply chain bullying illegal - retrospective discounting, pay to stay
clauses
Commit to co-fund apprenticeships in non-levy-paying businesses in England for the next parliament
Independent inquiry/Royal Commission to create new approach to business rates for 2022 based on
ability to pay; to create a consensus and take politics out of the process
Protect small firms on our high streets and in our communities from chains, by creating a small
business version of the Asset of Community Value

Circular Economy The Island Pound: I will work to introduce a complementary Island currency that will
boost our economy. Our strength lies in our deep sense of community and love of our Island.

As an island we have the ideal opportunity to build the circular economy, keeping our wealth here, moving
around and reaching more people. When 10 is spent with a local business 7 stays in the local economy,
when 10 is spent with a national chain store only 3 stays locally. A strong sustainable circular economy is
going to be easy to achieve, because we as individuals can make the choice where to spend our money (even
20% of spend in a local business makes a notable difference).

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I would like to work to create a local currency, the Island Pound (which will sit alongside the national
currency) because this has been proven over the years to help stimulate a local economy and strengthen
communities.
There are now local currencies in Bristol, Brixton, Totnes, and Lewes. The Brixton Pound has created a micro-
grant funding programme to further support local businesses grow.
400 local exchange trading systems (LETS -people effectively bartering with each other) and around 70 Time
Banks, also exist in the UK.
There is a successful Time Bank in the West Wight(I am currently involved in bringing Time Bank to
Newport) which allows people to exchange time with each other and has the added benefit of
strengthening the community. There are several people in the Island business community that support the
Island Pound.

https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy

http://neweconomics.org/2015/05/money-with-a-purpose/

Attract investment to the Isle of Wight: I will promote the island as a business destination to the innovative
digital industry sector.

On the IW we have good superfast broadband (still not total coverage which we need and better mobile
phone coverage) so we are ideally placed to attract businesses that want to locate in a beautiful place that
offers digital connectivity, attractively priced real estate (for the South of England), good life style and a
committed people to employ. Sectors to attract would include:
Digital - Demand for ICT workers increases 4% each year and we are facing a shortfall in availability
which in turn hold back the economy. E-Skills is a massive area for growth, ideally place for young
people and older adults looking to retrain. The app market is expected to create 4.8 million jobs in
Europe by 2018 and we dont need to rely on physical connections to deliver these products. We
could be the San Francisco of the south of England.
Creatives- Building on our artistic community, the Island has long been a place of inspiration. A world
class museum or art gallery would attract visitors on a daily basis. Opportunities exist to support film
makers using the island as a location. Creatives are also needed in game and app development,
writers, artists, musicians, actors, as well as computer programmers.
Life Sciences This is a sector which is attracting Government investment and is area that will shape
how we manage our environment and our health in the future.

Tourism: I will back the campaign to cut VAT on Tourism and proactively support the work of Visit Isle of
Wight.

Tourism is still and will continue to be a major economic driver for the Island and I will work with Visit Isle of
Wight to promote our home as a place to visit. The recent introduction of the Destination Business
Improvement District (DBID) and the levy that some tourism businesses have to pay does enable Visit IW to
carry on its events and marketing but of course has created another cost for businesses. So, Im backing the
campaign to Cut Vat on Tourism because it will stimulate investment, create employment and boost growth,
enabling this sector to compete with Europe on an even footing and create more Island jobs and wealth as a
consequence. This is something that I can work on with other MPs to bring this to fruition, 170 have already
pledged their support and 2 independent parliamentary select committees have already recommended this
as a policy.

More tourists means more secondary spend across the Island, for every 1 of tourism spend a further 70p is
spent in the wider local economy. It has been calculated that after 3 years of a cut in VAT it would result in
363 million in revenue to the exchequer and after 10 years 4.6 billion.
http://www.cuttourismvat.co.uk

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TRANSPORT
Solent Travel: I will support the call for a feasibility study for a fixed link we need the facts before a
decision is made.

The Fixed link is an issue that we cannot ignore any longer. Last year I agreed that a feasibility study should
be undertaken, but not at the expense of the IW Council. This is a huge undertaking and involves both sides
of the Solent. It is imperative that we have the facts before a decision is made on a fixed link because then
we can debate it from an informed perspective and understand all the implications.

Our relationship with the ferry companies is vital for all of us and it is in both our interests to have a service
that meets our needs. I wont be drawn into ferry bashing but will develop a positive dialogue to ensure
we have a good service. The Government should recognise our Island status and the extra costs that we
incur as a result.

Rail, Roads and Buses: Work with transport providers and the IW Council to create an integrated transport
system fit for the Island.

I will meet with the new franchisee for Island Line and ensure that they understand how important it is to
the IW and see what investment they intend to make to modernise the service and improve the stations .
I will campaign to provide a cost effective solution for rural bus services.

The IW Council has just received 9.5m for investing in 3 Newport junctions to improve the flow of traffic in
and around Newport, which impacts the daily commute. I would like to see proper infrastructure for cycling
and pedestrians incorporated into these improvements because we have to make sustainable transport
easily accessible. Transport needs of disabled people also have to be at the forefront of our minds because
poor transport links even as basic as dropped curbs not matching up can be hugely isolating for people.

Car clubs are beginning to offer a real alternative to car ownership and this is a positive way to address the
amount of cars in use on the Island.

I welcome the investment in new fleets of buses and the move towards bio fuels is exciting. I have already
spoken with the bus company about creating cycle hubs at bus stops, so there is an integrated system
approach. New ticketing also means that regular travel has become more affordable.

Cycling and walking: I will continue to support the development of improved walking and cycling strategies
on the Island.

Walking and cycling strategies need to be embedded in polices and projects and I will be looking to get
investment to improve the infrastructure that we have, to make it easy to make these travel choices.

20mph: I will continue to call for the introduction of 20mph zones in built up areas.

I have been campaigning since 2012 to reduce the top speed in our residential areas and town and village
centres to improve life for us all. Its a very cost effective public health intervention costing around 2 per
head of population. In 2015, using Department of Transport and Public Health England data, it has been
estimated that the cost of Road Traffic Incidents and inactivity cost the Island approximately 60m. There
are many benefits, including improved air quality and a much safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
It would be much better if the Government reduced the speed nationally, already 16 million people live in
20mph zones and a lot of work goes into campaigning for a speed reduction. The Atkins report evaluating
the evidence of 20mph impacts will be out soon.

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EDUCATION

Wellbeing to be as important as academic attainment: I will work to integrate the practice of mindfulness
into the National curriculum. I will call for a full assessment of the impact that mobile phones have on our
pupils.

Our early years are crucial in setting us on our path in life instilling confidence and self-esteem and building
mental resilience which are vital for enabling each of us to fulfil our potential in life. From the age 2/3 years
old many children spend a lot of time at early years provision and then in school, so these places should play
an important role in nurturing positive attitudes, promoting mental health and wellbeing alongside academic
attainment.

Its time to recognise the importance of mental health and wellbeing in schools and with this in mind I am
supporting the national campaign to have Mindfulness (paying attention to the present moment,
scientifically proven to improve mental wellbeing) integrated into the curriculum. Already 5,000 teachers
have been trained to incorporate Mindfulness into schools across the UK. It costs 750 to train a teacher , a
good investment for pupil and teachers wellbeing.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-39082415/mindfulness-to-help-childrens-mental-well-being-in-schools

Mobile phone addiction is becoming a reality as well as the part they play in cyber bullying their use can
affect self-esteem and communication. Therefore, I will call for use of mobile phones in school to be
assessed as a priority.

https://www.mindfulnessfoundation.org.uk/

https://youngminds.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/wise-up/#wise-up

Rebalancing academic and vocational studies: I will campaign to introduce more vocational and life skills
training for children to make them better equipped for the workplace and life.

We are all different, and have different ways of communicating and learning and we all have different
interests and aspirations. We need to reflect this better in the way we deliver education. At present there is
way too much pressure on teachers and students to reach set targets. In my own experience and in the
experience of those who shared it with me this diverts attention away from what really matters our
children, their wellbeing, their future, their ability to reach their full potential. If we can shift the emphasis to
what each child can achieve, offering more life skills and vocational training, it will give our children a sound
foundation for their future social and work life. I do believe that all children need to achieve basic
competencies in English and Maths before they leave school or go to college. I also believe that rebalancing
academic studies with vocational training and life skills will enhance educational experience and life
prospects for our children. Forging links with businesses to create better opportunities for work experience
and pre-apprenticeships are a good way to help with the transition into the work place. I will support Young
Enterprise in their work. We need to focus on providing excellent E-Skills education to capitalize on the huge
growth in this sector, as the digital revolution transforms our lives at every level.

Our further and higher education is excellent on the Island and I will work to support links with Universities
and encourage more apprenticeships. The Island needs a student campus with accommodation to attract
mainland and overseas students to study here.

Special Educational Needs: I will campaign to ensure that there are systems in place to enable the early
identification of special education needs.

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Its essential that children with any special educational needs are identified as early as possible, because
early intervention and support can be prevent many future difficulties , and enable all of our children to
flourish at school and to reach their full potential in adult life. Failing our children has a huge human cost as
well as financial cost. This can be avoided by investing in special educational resources and a better training
for teachers and other professionals working in our primary and secondary schools. Every child deserves a
good rounded education and having special educational needs should not be a barrier to their success in
future life.

I also will work to provide opportunities for adults with extra needs to progress their education and careers.
We have to create the opportunities for everyone to thrive and challenge inequality.

School Year: I will propose a change to our school year to benefit our children and families.

It is time that we reassessed the structure of our school year. We should begin again with a fresh look at
what will deliver a balanced education and a balanced home life for students and teachers. An academic
year based on the Victorian agricultural cycle is no longer fit for purpose in the 21st Century. Long summer
holidays bring a lot of stress to family life, especially with many of us working to support the tourist economy
on the Island. Of course we also had the ongoing issue with some parents taking their children out of school
for family holidays, which was brought to the High Court. We should seriously consider academic, social and
financial benefits of different school year structures and choose term times that are most beneficial to our
children and families whilst still ensuring high standards of education.

HEALTH
The future of St Marys Hospital: One of my priorities will to secure the future of St Marys Hospital,
continuing the provision of the care we need and deserve here.

This is an area of massive importance right now because our hospital has been put into special measures and
I want to help work with the leadership to transform the way it is run. Because, if we do not transform it, we
may be faced with a wholesale transfer of our services. Some services are already on the mainland and the
time and expense of travelling to appointments is very stressful to anyone and most of all to more
vulnerable residents. The short film below will explain my position on the NHS and why it needs to be
protected from privatisation. NHS IW staff must be praised for their dedication and care and we must be
proud of the world pioneering medical team treating sepsis. We can make our health care on the IW first
class.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahHujJtRuRU

I support more investment into dementia care and we should invest in extra care homes, where people
can live their lives as independently as possible, but knowing they have support nearby when they need it.
Keeping active is essential to good health and getting people mobile again (if appropriate)as soon as possible
after any hospital procedure is a crucial time because people can quickly lose confidence and the ability to
recover to their full potential. Independence is closely linked to better health outcomes.

We need to support carers more, making sure they have respite and invest in self-care because they are
the unsung heroes of our health care system, caring for loved ones, but often at the expense of their own
health. I want to see taking a career into the care industry as something to be encouraged, with good rates
of pay and working conditions. Looking after people is an act of love and should be held in the highest
regard.

Adult social care I feel should be run centrally, its too important to be left to local councils which can lead to
a postcode lottery of care. We have higher costs on the Island and a higher proportion of residents that need
care. If it was centrally run the Island would be on a level playing field. I brought this up with Government
officials at the LGA Conference in July and will continue to have dialogue on this subject.

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Mental Health: I will campaign to create better mental health provision working with mental health
charities, clinicians and patients to co-produce support systems. This has been demonstrated in Wales
where a new co-produced initiative is set to save the local health service money and improve outcomes.
http://www.hafal.org/gellinudd-recovery-approach/

Mental health is a major area that needs addressing because I see so often low level anxiety not being dealt
with, leading to a deterioration in mental health, which has so many negative consequences. I see our local
police having to cope with people with mental health problems, which is not ideal for them or people
suffering with poor mental health. I have also seen the good work that our Local Area Co-ordinators (LACs)
have delivered, bringing people out of their isolation, helping with anxiety and empowering people to step a
step forward from unhealthy situations. This type of intervention is making a difference and is vital
prevention work. I will connect with businesses to introduce the concept of Mindfulness in the work place.
Read here for an evaluation of the impact LAC made in Swansea, the IW scheme is too new to have been
evaluated.

http://lacnetwork.org/swansea-university-evaluation-published-a-blog-from-ralph-broad/

By making mental health in all its forms a point of focus for improvement, this will begin to shift and improve
many peoples lives. Investing here is money well spent as people can be supported at the time they need it.

Growing older with wellbeing: I will continue to work with the IW Council and other agencies to ensure
that the needs of our elder, disabled and vulnerable residents are met in transport, education, health,
housing and employment.

Town and villages also need to adapt to the needs of our older generation, by creating networks of fit for
purpose pedestrian footways and wider pavements for electric scooters, walkers and wheelchairs. Seats,
shelter, and shade are also important elements of a public realm that supports older people. I have already
campaigned to create this in Newport and I will roll this out across the Island.

The Island is a popular place for people to retire to and with advances in medical care, our proportion of
senior residents is higher than elsewhere in the country. Creating a vibrant economy will enable services for
those in need to be provided, by creating more business rates for example. The My Life A Full Life
programme is aiming to create a system that can support people in leading the lives they want to.
Loneliness and isolation is also a growing malaise and I will support projects that are designed to reconnect
people into the community.
I believe in being able to learn from older people, passing down skills and knowledge to the next generation,
Age UK has a great project Men in Sheds where this is happening .I attend Older Voices which is a fabulous
organisation giving a forum for older residents to voice their opinion on different topics. Isolation is a huge
issue with this generation and this is one area that our Local Area Co-ordinators can alleviate.

Here is a film with me and my Grandfather Neil Shutler ( born 1918)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjb6ZFYXWLY&t=329s

HOUSING
Creation of affordable housing: I will back small developments on brown-field sites located in sustainable
locations.

We need to provide affordable rental properties on the Island as a first step towards a healthy housing stock.
Many of us spend a vast proportion of our incomes on housing, leaving little else for living a full and happy
life. There are some very innovative ways of producing housing now, from ones designed especially for flood
risk areas, to pre-fabricated panelised housing that can be built very quickly and cheaply. There is an
opportunity for the Island to have its own factory here making the panels, building the houses and then in
time exporting them. This will create jobs, new skills and of course, homes.

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I would like to see small developments in brown field sites that are in sustainable locations, close to services,
shops, health care, transport links etc. as a way of providing affordable accommodation. I believe large
developments are not the best option for the Island.

Our rural communities also require some housing, developments of 2-4 homes that can keep people living in
their villages because these places need to thrive.

We have too many unfulfilled planning sites on the IW and I would like to develop a policy that means
business rates/council tax will be due if the development has not been completed for occupation within 3
years. The land banking has to stop as it has a detrimental effect on areas, for example the site at Coppins
Bridge which many of us see every day. Hopefully with an improved economy such measures will not be
necessary.

ENVIRONMENT
Smart grid, solar and wind power: I will work for the introduction of an Island smart grid to create energy
for islanders, which we will have a stake in. I will campaign to have turbines located in industrial parks or
similar areas.

We have a responsibility to care for our earth and our Island because it is a finite resource. We need to be
custodians and make sure the land, sea and sky is in a healthy state of balance. I believe we must work to
being secure in our energy and food production. I do not support fracking. I support solar energy and the
creation of a smart grid to enable the energy to be stored and distributed. Wind turbines would be best
placed in our industrial parks, where they will not impact negatively on the Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty or peoples homes. Everywhere on the island has enough wind to drive turbines, according to a study
carried out by the AONB unit a few years ago.

I would like to see more green energy solutions evolve and I am excited by the prospect of tidal energy. We
can become a beacon for green energy.

Farmers and fishermen: It is important that the futures of our farming and fishing communities are
protected during the Brexit negotiations. What is going to happen to farm payments? I will meet with the
Island agriculture community to get a full understanding of the issues they face now and in a post Brexit UK.
Energy and food security are vital issues for the wellbeing and prosperity of the Island.

CONCLUSION
As I said at the beginning, this is an evolving manifesto that needs to be shaped by those that know the IW,
those that live here, work here, love this diamond shaped piece of land with a passion.
I would also like to hear from our younger generation.
After all what we are working on today will come into effect when they become adults.
We are co-creators of their future.

www.juliejonesevans.org
Telephone - 01983 217487

Printed by Julie Jones-Evans at 80 St James Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1LG
and promoted by and on behalf of Julie Jones-Evans 53 Victoria Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2HB

9 Copyright Julie Jones-Evans 17-05-17