The Government has confirmed that the Isle of Wight WILL be getting a £4million funding uplift in recognition of the ‘unique circumstances facing the council and its physical separation from the mainland’. It was on 24th January that Island Echo exclusively reported that the Island would be getting a further £3million of funding – on top of the £1million already announced – from central Government. Toys were thrown out the pram with some quick to boo-boo the news. Alliance councillors even said they thought the Island would get far less, with their ‘best estimate’ being between £1-1.5million. Now, Local MP Bob Seely has welcomed confirmation of the full £4million funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities. An extraordinary Cabinet meeting will be called at County Hall later this month to discuss the budget now that councillors have a huge amount more money to play with, which might have just come in time to save some damaging cuts to services. Mr Seely has today (Tuesday) said:
“It’s good that Rishi Sunak’s Government has confirmed the extra £4 million for the Isle of Wight Council. It’s good that the Government is listening to us. “It’s also a big win for us that we now have recognition, in principle, that it costs more to deliver services on the Island. This ‘Island factor’ now gives us something to work on. Clearly, I want more than £4 million, but over the four-year lifetime of a council, this will be worth an additional £16 million.”
The Government said in its statement:
“The 2024-25 Services Grant allocation for the Isle of Wight Council includes £4 million allocated to the council in recognition of the unique circumstances facing the council and its physical separation from the mainland. The Services Grant also includes £150k allocated to the Isles of Scilly as part of the same arrangements.”
Prior to the announcement, Seely met with senior ministers to stress the Isle of Wight’s case after a smaller uplift was initially offered. Bob adds:
“As ever, I thank previous Council leaders, Lora Peacey-Wilcox and Dave Stewart, and the council officers who provided the facts and figures and the government ministers and officials who took the time to consider our case. “There is always more to do, but what we have achieved is progress for the Island. First, we have specific recognition of the Island’s needs. Second, we have an extra cash sum as a result.”
What will they squander it on?
Taxis to school of course. Taxi driving for two or three hours a day doing the school run for kids with needs is a nice little earner.
consultations on how to waste it
Offset it against the Council tax increase
“COUNCIL WILL RECEIVE EXTRA £3MILLION – GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS MUCH-NEEDED UPLIFT”“MP Bob Seely has welcomed confirmation of the full £4million”
So straight away a discrepancy.
Anyway, do we trust the Council with it?
What are they intending to do with it?
In Tory Britain £4 million doesn’t even buy decent Bog roll.
They will waste it.I don’t trust the council as far as I could throw them.
Try reading the article
they already had 1 agreed and now have an extra 3 therefore 4 no discrepancy
It’s just an electioneering distraction tactic .. once back in power the special payment will dry up ..
Of course it is. It is so obvious. Snake Oil Seely went back to the big house and said the locals are restless and being mean to me. Can we buy them some sweets? And the blue rinsed locals will fall for it every time. Every time. EVERY TIME.
Here we go,bob the knob trying to take credit,and thanking dave stewart is even more laughable!
you have done sod all in nearly 5 years,you can bet the council tax will still go up!
Too little to late, close the door on the way out Bob.
Bandwagon Bob is back. All this cash will just go on more taxis for kids, £2.2 million or more this coming year, more money for keep the druggies happy, and making sure all those on benefits get even more of a handout. The working person will see nothing except council tax up, parking charges up, crap roads, and a lot of dodgy dealings and secret deals. Nothing changes no matter how much money this council have in the coffers.
All those on Benefits will not be affected by Council tax increases
They pay Fcuk all
I’m.on benefits and paid £209 Council tax last month educate yourself
I was referring to persons on full benefits
Obviously you don’t suffer from lazyitis.
Many do!
I think you will find that those on benefits still have to pay council tax
i know its a fraction,but they still have to pay 30%
Who is paying the other 70%
So no need for all the price rises then?
No doubt they will piss it up against the wall, effing useless the lot of em.
Well said I totally agree with you.
Clear evidence the government considers the Island at risk at the next election, in other words, Buying votes.
Trying to buy votes? Nothing to see here. Move along please.
Big fat bonuses and pay rises for the council lot I predict
More money for them to waste
I hope some of that money goes towards St Mary’s not just to increase councillors wages!
Why would it go to the hospital? It is funded by the NHS.
Brilliant news, the Council will now be able to keep the floating bridge running!
Councillors have a huge amount more money to play with ……
Translation More Money to waste !!!
It may have just come in time to save SOME damaging cuts to service’s??????.
Translation may save one of the service’s they haven’t cut ..ie Their travel costs etc…….
And that folks is it ……
No reduction in Council tax for us cash cow’s….
Because as we all know the council have more money to burn ……