Readers will remember that during the October full council meeting, members voted in favour of a motion to do what they could over the recent increase in ferry fares and cuts to services.
It was then agreed at the November Overview and Scrutiny Committee to set up a ‘Task and Finish Group’ to deal with the motion.
To ensure more effective liaison
This will be jointly chaired by Cllr Geoff Lumley (Lab) and Cllr Paul Fuller (Ind) the respective chairmen of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Economy and Environment Scrutiny Panel.
A meeting will be held on Thursday next week (5th December from 6pm) to which members of the public are welcome to attend and ask questions at the beginning of the meeting.
The Task and Finish Group will ascertain what arrangements could be put in place to ensure more effective liaison between the cross Solent ferry operators and the Island community on key aspects such as fares, frequency and timetabling together with facilitating a better understanding of the economic impact of service provision.
Ferry operators to give ‘evidence’
Members of the public are also welcome to attend the following Task and Finish Group on Thursday, 23 January 2014 at 6pm in the Council Chamber, when the three ferry operators will be giving ‘evidence’.
The motion
The full council motion read,
THAT this Council is deeply concerned about further cuts to ferry services recently announced by Wightlink and the corresponding reduction in the service provided to Island Residents and visitors which has a direct impact upon the economy of the Island. As the Local Transport Authority the Council notes with regret that Wightlink failed to consult or engage with the Council or other Island stakeholders about their proposals.
The Council is also very concerned about the levels of fares for crossings by motor vehicle on ferry services, which inhibits the ability of Island residents to travel for work, family, health and social reasons and again impacts greatly upon the economy of the Island and the quality of life for Island residents as well as having a direct effect on the tourist trade which is essential for the Island.
This Council resolves to take all possible steps it can to address this situation and, in addition, to support the Island’s Member of Parliament and as an initial step the Isle of Wight Council invite senior representatives from each of the ferry companies to attend an appropriate scrutiny panel to present and explain their position and take questions from the panel on behalf of the island community.
