This is a statement from Bob Seely MP in response to an announcement that the IW Council will receive an additional £1million from Government in recognition of the 'unique circumstances facing the Isle of Wight Council and its physical separation from the mainland'.
Bob Seely MP said: “On the positive side, this payment shows that the Government has recognised the unique circumstances facing the Island. This is the first time money has been awarded explicitly on the basis of our unique circumstances. It sets a precedent which we can use as part of the full Fair Funding Review to make the case for additional funds to increase the council’s base budget.
“The council continues to face significant financial pressures. We showed those pressures in our evidence.
“I will continue to work with council officers to make the case that the council needs additional support to deliver the services to Islanders.
“I would like to thank the council’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive for supporting me in making our case to Government.
“We have had a good run lately of securing additional investment for the Island. We’ve had £48million investment in Island healthcare, £26million for Island Line upgrades, and we’ve seen significant investment in the IW College and Island cultural entities have received over £1million from the Culture Recovery Fund. The next thing I am determined to secure for the Island is a long-term sustainable settlement that addresses the additional costs faced by the council and which meets the needs of Islanders.
“I will continue to put forward the Island’s case very strongly to Ministers to ensure the Island gets what it needs.”
