Further to our report yesterday about a cross-party delegation meeting Government ministers over budget gaps, this in from the council, in their own words. Ed
Isle of Wight Council leader, Councillor Ian Stephens, said there was a strong focus on the need for the whole of the Island to be approved for Assisted Area Status as well as Enterprise Zone designation – helping to unlock key development funding.
The cross-chamber delegation from the council, together with senior officers and Island MP Andrew Turner, met the minister at Westminster, outlining the case of the Island for additional government funding.
The visit, organised by Andrew Turner, was against the backdrop of the council needing to find savings of £28 million in its revenue budget over the next three years.
Councillor Stephens said:
“We had a very fair hearing from the minister and it was especially pleasing that we were able to take a cross-chamber delegation from the council, with all representatives providing a valuable contribution to the discussions.
“The minister picked up on the key issues of Assisted Area Status and Enterprise Zoning, and also how there may be an opportunity for other areas of funding for pre-apprenticeship schemes on the Island.
“We explained to him fully the pressures we are facing both within the council and on the Island as a whole. It is too early to say what positive outcomes may result from our visit, but it was a very worthwhile exercise and we plan to send further delegations to Westminster in the future to promote the Island’s case.
“It appears at this stage that there will be no additional direct funding for the Isle of Wight Council, but we await the official confirmation from the minister in relation to this.
“I would like to thank all those who contributed to the visit and in presenting our case first hand to a senior government representative – in particular Andrew Turner for organising the meeting with the minister at short notice.”
- The government is being asked to recommend to the European Commission that the whole Island be granted Assisted Area Status to stimulate the growth of business.
- The government is also being asked to consider the creation of an Enterprise Zone on the Island to secure investment in new commercial premises.
- The cross-chamber delegation included all group leaders from the council.
Image: graziano88 under CC BY 2.0
