East Wight MP Warns Council Funding Cuts Could Deepen Island Inequalities

East Wight MP Joe Robertson has warned that proposed Government cuts to Isle of Wight Council funding could worsen existing inequalities faced by Island communities.

Under current plans, council funding on the Isle of Wight could be reduced by £13.4 million over the next three years.

Mr Robertson says the move risks placing further pressure on already stretched local services.

The concerns were raised in a follow-up letter and a question in the House of Commons, after Mr Robertson met with Alison McGovern, Minister of State for Local Government, to discuss the Government’s proposals for future council funding.

In his letter, the MP supported calls from the Isle of Wight Council Leader for an urgent meeting with ministers.

He warned that the proposed cuts come at a time when the funding gap between urban and rural authorities is growing, with urban councils expected to receive around 41 per cent more government-funded spending power per person than rural councils.

Mr Robertson also questioned the evidence being used to justify the funding decisions.

Ministers have said they are relying on analysis from the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods, known as ICON, to guide policy on growth and opportunity.

However, ICON’s own research found Isle of Wight East to be the second most “left behind” constituency in the country.

The MP has asked the Government to publish the alternative criteria it used instead, and to explain why ICON’s findings were not reflected in the proposed settlement.

Mr Robertson is urging ministers to review the data underpinning the funding plans before final decisions are made.

He has also raised concerns about whether the unique costs of Island life, including ferry dependency, have been properly taken into account.

Speaking on the issue, Mr Robertson said the available independent evidence clearly highlights the challenges facing the Isle of Wight.

He added:

“This is not about asking for special treatment, it is about fair treatment.

"If the Government is serious about supporting communities that have been left behind, it cannot ignore the realities of Island life.”

The Government has yet to respond to the request for a further meeting or to clarify the evidence used in its funding proposals.