Isle Of Wight MP Challenges Government Over Planned Funding Cuts

Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson has met with the Labour Minister for Local Government to challenge planned cuts to funding for the Island.

The meeting with Alison McGovern follows a letter from Isle of Wight Council Leader Phil Jordan, raising concerns about the Government’s Fair Funding Review.

Under the proposals, overall funding for the Isle of Wight would be reduced by £13.4 million over the next three years.

Mr Robertson warned the plans fail to recognise the realities of Island life, highlighting the Isle of Wight’s reliance on privately owned ferry services and the higher costs involved in delivering public services across the Solent.

In his letter, Councillor Jordan said the funding review would leave the Council in a “substantially and materially worse financial position.”

Mr Robertson said he had urged the Government to reconsider the funding methodology used, arguing that the Island is uniquely disadvantaged compared with mainland authorities.

He added that while the previous government provided an £8 million uplift over its final two years, it was still not enough to address long-term pressures.

Following the meeting, Minister McGovern confirmed she will write to Maritime Minister Keir Mather, building on efforts to secure fairer cross-Solent transport arrangements.