News OnTheWight always welcomes a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below.
This letter from Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Robert (Bob) Seely, in response to a Letter to the Editor from Bonchurch resident, Raye Peterson, published last weekend. Ed
Dear Mr Peterson
I note the comments you make that MPs will have to start ‘genuinely’ delivering for their communities.
Here are some achievements over the past few years.
Firstly, we have received more funding for the Island than we have for a number of years, including £48million for St Mary’s Hospital, £26million investment in Island Line and securing priority funding status for the Island from the Arts Council.
Secondly, I have ensured that the Government now recognises that it costs more to provide services on the Island due to our geographical location – this is the first time that this has ever been recognised.
Thirdly, during the recent Covid crisis, I lobbied the Chancellor to provide a VAT cut for hospitality and tourism businesses – an industry which employs a number of Islanders. I was instrumental in getting an insurance scheme for festivals put in place – again, an industry which impacts heavily on the Island. I continue to raise my concerns about how the Government responded to the data given by scientists and the impact which lockdown had on Islanders.
Fourthly, working with the Isle of Wight Council, the Venture Quays site was secured, meaning that shipbuilding on the Island was retained. I also ensured that the Island was included within the Solent Freeport area.
More recently, I ensured that the Levelling Up bid submitted for East Cowes was accepted, granting £6million for improvements to the area. I also secured a commitment from Southern Water that the Island became one of the priority ‘Pathfinder’ schemes. I also campaigned for the return of a Roads Policing Unit on the Island and can confirm that this is now going ahead.
You may also be aware of my ongoing work regarding housing and the option of achieving a new landscape protection status for the Island. I believe that we need a housing policy that builds the housing that Islanders need. I want houses built that are affordable for Islanders, preferably built by an Island company employing local people. I want to see the Island gain greater environmental protection, whether in the form of a National Park, an ‘Island Park’ or through expansion of our existing Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
I continue to champion the Island at every opportunity. A lot of work undertaken is not necessarily out in the public domain, be that meeting with Ministers to support local community projects or talking to constituents. I lobby Ministers on a regular basis, trying to ensure that the Island is at the forefront of new schemes or ideas and continue to push for as many funding opportunities as possible.
I trust that this information alleviates your concerns.
Yours sincerely, Robert Seely
