“It’s not enough” — the Isle of Wight Conservative MP has joined critics calling for more money from government to recognise the Isle of Wight’s unique circumstances after a payout was awarded.
As part of a £54.1 billion ‘Levelling Up’ agenda, the government announced £1 million would be given to the Isle of Wight Council in recognition of the added extra costs the Island faces due to being separated by the Solent.
It had been hoped, however, based on a report by the University of Portsmouth in 2015, that a sum over £6 million would put the Island on a level playing field as the mainland.
The £1 million was slammed as ‘highly unsatisfactory’ and ‘profoundly disappointing’ by the ruling Alliance administration of the Isle of Wight Council though.
Leader: ‘Not going to sit back and wait for another broken promise’
Speaking at a meeting last week, leader, Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox, said the Island’s unique position failed to be recognised and the £1 million offered ‘no meaningful national support for pressures felt locally’.
She said while the administration was going to keep making the case for an Island Deal, they were ‘not going to sit back and wait for another broken promise’.
Seely: ‘Interim payment was not enough’
Now, Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has said while an important principle has been set, recognising the Island’s unique circumstances, ‘the interim payment was not enough’.
Responding to Cllr Peacey-Wilcox’s comments, he said,
“Championing the Island’s needs will always be my priority, so I share the council’s frustrations.
“With this principle established, the case is now even stronger for a more substantial package, especially given that all the available evidence supports our case.”
Seely: Important to work together
Work continues, Mr Seely said, and he was grateful for the ongoing support of council officers in making the case to government.
He said it was important they work together to keep the pressure on Whitehall, ministers and the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.
Seely: Island Deal will be an ongoing programme
Mr Seely also said he was disappointed the government’s fair funding review was delayed as it was the key to securing a longer-term, sustainable settlement for the Island.
Although the ‘Island Deal’ he said was not a one-off bag of money for the council, but an ongoing programme of getting a better deal which he and others are working on.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
