The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner has welcomed confirmation today (Friday) that the European Commission has approved the final map for Assisted Area Status, with no changes to the version submitted to the Commission on 30th April with some 28 of the Island’s 39 electoral wards included.
The status will give local businesses the opportunity to bid for additional funding and tax breaks in order to protect and create jobs and invest in new premises or equipment in order to expand. An interactive map can be consulted at www.ukassistedareasmap.com.
Mr Turner said:
“This is great news for the Island. This designation lasts for the next seven years and the Government can start to implement it into UK legislation by July. This will provide a platform for local businesses to bid for additional funding and tax breaks in order to protect and create jobs and invest in new premises or equipment in order to expand.
“It is a tribute to the Isle of Wight pulling together and I would like to pay particular tribute to Cllr. Ian Stephens the Leader of the Council for all the hours he has put in and to Cllr. Harry Rees, who represented the IW Association of Local Councils during the negotiations. Although we all tried to get the whole Island included, had the Government put forward that proposal it could have been thrown out – with the whole Island losing out, but of course new jobs in the included areas will potentially benefit all residents.
“I will now be working with others to make sure that information is made available to businesses so that they can take best advantage of this news.”
