MP hopefuls standing in Isle of Wight West have discussing how they would tackle the cost of living crisis.

With Islanders heading to the polls imminently, the County Press asked the six candidates what they would do support residents.

They were given 120 words and here's what they said...

Cameron Palin, for the Isle of Wight Green Party, said: "All Islanders have faced the huge impact of the cost of living crisis, including me and my family.

"Rent, food, electric and inflation have all gone up thanks to Liz Truss crashing the economy. We need to see a raise in minimum wage to £15 an hour, increasing Universal Credit by £40 a week and abolish the two-child benefit cap.

"Abolishing the two-child benefit cap would see 250,000 children lifted out of poverty.

"Providing free school meals for all primary and secondary, plus breakfast clubs for pupils up to year 6, would ensure all children receive at least one hot meal.

"We are the only party standing on strong policies that will deliver real hope and real change for Islanders."

For Reform UK, Ian Pickering, said: "Reform UK want to lift the starting threshold for paying income tax to £20,000. This will put approximately £1,500 more every year in people’s pockets.

"Add to that a reduction of 20p per litre in fuel duty, scrapping of green energy levies on gas and electricity bills and all together people will be better off.

"The cost of living crisis has been caused by mismanagement of the economy.

"Huge sums can be saved by radically reforming public spending. For instance not paying voluntary interest of £35 billion per year on money printed by the Bank of England, given to the banks and then loaned back to the government.

"Simple common sense must prevail, after all, it’s our money."

Richard Quigley, of Island Labour, said: "As a party, we are committed to building truly affordable and social housing, making work pay with the workers new deal and creating jobs via the national wealth fund.

"What we need to do locally, is find a solution exorbitant cost of ferry travel, encourage local businesses to spend more locally and create well paid jobs in industries like renewables and the environment.

"Giving our council a multi year funding deal will also help restore services that Islander's rely on.

"We also have the option to run our own bus company, to keep fares low and improve access to rural areas."

Isle of Wight Conservative candidate, Bob Seely, said: "Rishi Sunak’s Government supported British families with a £90 billion support package to help heat homes during the energy inflation crisis caused by the Ukraine war. 

"It’s not been an easy time, however our unprecedented cost-of-living support prevented 1.3 million people from falling into absolute poverty, including 300,000 children, 600,000 working age adults and 400,000 pensioners.

"We have now got inflation down. Wages are growing faster than inflation and we’re committed to cutting taxes for working people - and protecting pensions.

"Since 2010, we have reduced the number of people living in absolute poverty by 1.1 million, including 100,000 children and 200,000 pensioners.

"We need to stick with the plan that is working instead of risking everything under Labour."

Nick Stuart, of the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats, said: "The first step is address the ferries as the biggest block on our economy and jobs for local people. With Island wages at some 75 per cent of wages on the mainland the current government seems to have declared war on anyone who isn't a big company executive.

Then we need to remove the nasty two child cap that improvises families. And we need to stop demonising people on benefits.

All of us have been, or know people who are in need. The ludicrously complex systems need to be simplified. While we go for  tax dodgers and fraudsters to raise monies due by needing up HMRC staff.

Finally the lib Dems unique carers package will support the people who support us and the NHS."

Rachel Thacker, of the ADF Party, had not responded at the time of press.

  • For Isle of Wight East: Emily Brothers, Labour; David Groocock, Independent; Michael Lilley, Liberal Democrats; Vix Lowthion, Green Party; Sarah Morris, Reform UK; Joe Robertson, Conservatives.