“It’s not enough” — the Island’s MP has joined critics calling for more money from the Government to recognise the Isle of Wight’s unique circumstances after a payout was awarded.
As part of a £54.1billion ‘Levelling Up’ agenda, the Government announced £1million 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 £6million would put the Island on a level playing field as the mainland.
The £1million was slammed as ‘highly unsatisfactory’ and ‘profoundly disappointing’ by the ruling Alliance administration of the Isle of Wight Council.
Speaking at a meeting last week, leader, Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox, said the Island’s unique position failed to be recognised and the £1million 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’.
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.
Article continues below this advertisement “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.”
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.
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.
The Island is a safe Tory seat, why invest money here, they have nothing to gain.
Bob, an overner whipped in to submission,
The only thing this council is truly interested in is lining the pockets of the top councillors. Maybe central government should investigate this council, but then again what’s the point when we have Boris in charge.
You have no justification for this claim. Councillors, as presumably you know, are not paid any salary but some can claim expenses up to a limit, or receive a fixed allowance to cover specific, time-consuming or costly duties.
If it’s so remunerative, why haven’t you applied? Perhaps no-one would vote for you?
Whilst you are right there is no evidence of hard cash going into pockets you can understand why the thought is that we live in a corrupt democracy.
You only have to look at certain planning decisions grant awards the floating bridge saga etc etc to understand where that thought comes from.
it’s well known the islands moto is ‘ it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.’
Jobs and contracts for mates, some companies employ generations of family’s none of whom are qualified for the job.
I’d guess Digby wouldn’t understand the word ‘ remunerative’
To busy beating people up from afar.
Is that a million for every ‘old chum’ bob?