The Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, Dave Stewart, has this evening (Wednesday) announced that the authority has been given more than £15million in additional funding from the Government for infrastructure and social care.
A massive £9.5million has been given to the Council by the Department of Communities and Local Government to tackle road congestion at Coppins Bridge in Newport, which many Island residents say is well overdue.
A further £6million has also been allocated to the Island to help address adult social care challenges.
Councillor Stewart (Conservative for Chale, Niton & Whitwell Ward) has said:
“This money is a huge win for the island and the £9.5 million is already in the council’s bank account and ready to use so I’m absolutely delighted”.
“What this means is quite simple: we now have funds to make a huge difference to residents by easing congestion in Newport and we have more money coming to make sure our vulnerable residents are looked after.
“This significant amount of cash also shows beyond any doubt the Government is willing to help this island in crucial areas of funding need and, since January, this Conservative-led administration has worked hard with ministers to make sure the money has come here.
“I also thank the council officers for all their hard work in putting together the bids.”
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Cllr Stewart added the cash injection shows the previous Independent administration, who walked away from power in January, were misleading residents when they said they could not get enough money from the Government to run services.
“This is really positive news that flies in the face of the Project Fear-style doom-mongering of the Independents prior to their walking out on this island.
“Since then, millions have come to the Isle of Wight and I hope residents will now see the influence Island Conservatives have in making sure this has happened.”
