On Tuesday, Isle of Wight council Leader, Councillor Phil Jordan, and Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, met with Local Government Minister Lee Rowley MP, to discuss further the extra costs the Isle of Wight council uniquely faces for operating on an Island.
Councillor Jordan said,
“For 60 years, the Government has recognised it is more expensive for Island councils to operate, with more costs for staff and goods and with extra unapparent needs.
“Island councils also have special situations with trying to raise extra revenue as well, and, of course, it is difficult to share many services with the mainland.”
Higher costs than ‘statistical nearest neighbours’
The council staff and the Administration are working hard to provide data in particular service areas, such as Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and Waste that shows the Isle of Wight council has higher costs than their ‘statistical nearest neighbours’ – the councils with whom we are compared – caused by our ‘isolation by water’.
Jones-Evans: With a level financial playing field, we can thrive
Councillor Jones-Evans said,
“Having time to talk to the Minister gave us the chance to put some of this statistical analysis into context, by talking about real life examples and was really helpful. We are making progress. The visit took place at Branstone where we could demonstrate our ability to deliver big projects that enable the Island to grow sustainability. The message was – with a level financial playing field, we can thrive.”
The visit finished with a drive through Sandown, which is the town selected for Government’s High Streets Task Force assistance.
Invited by Councillor Peacey Wilcox
Councillor Jordan finished by saying,
“We felt it was important not to shy away from some of the more complex issues we are trying to deal with, such as derelict buildings on the seafront.
“We sincerely thank the Minister for taking time in accepting the offer to visit by Councillor Peacey-Wilcox and for working with us to help solve this 60 year funding issue.”
News shared by Julie Jones-Evans on behalf of the Alliance Group. Ed
