Isle of Wight East Conservative MP, Joe Robertson, has met with the Labour Minister for Local Government, Alison McGovern, to challenge the Government over planned cuts to funding for the Island.
Overall funding reduced by £13.4 million over the next three years
Following a letter submitted by Isle of Wight Council Leader, Phil Jordan, Mr Robertson challenged the Minister on Labour’s funding package for the Isle of Wight under the Fair Funding Review, which will see overall funding reduced by £13.4 million over the next three years.
He warned that the decision demonstrates a fundamental failure by the Government to understand, or even acknowledge, the realities of Island life.
Funding review puts IW in a “substantially and materially worse financial position”
Mr Robertson highlighted the Isle of Wight’s unique position, separated from the mainland by the Solent and entirely dependent on unregulated, privately owned and debt-laden ferry companies.
He stressed that these structural disadvantages increase the cost of delivering public services and place additional pressure on the workforce. Mr Jordan’s letter said that the Government’s funding review put the Council in a “substantially and materially worse financial position”.
Robertson: Previous Gov gave an extra £8 million uplift in its last two years
Mr Robertson said:
“I met with the Local Government Minister to make the case for an improved financial settlement for our Council over the next three years.
“The previous Government gave us an extra £8 million uplift in its last two years which was not sufficient but the current Government is reducing funding.
“The Island is in a uniquely disadvantaged position compared to the mainland when it comes to delivering services and the Government needs to re-look at the funding methodology used, not just in the short-term, but for future situations as well.”
As a result of the meeting, Minister McGovern has confirmed she will write to the Maritime Minister, Keir Mather, following pressure from Mr Robertson and building on his ongoing work to secure fairer cross-Solent transport arrangements.
News shared by the office of Joe Robertson, in their own words. Ed
