Questions Asked Of £6.3 Million Prison Estate Roads Grant

Questions have been asked of a £6.3 million grant from the government to County Hall to repair and maintain land and roads near the Isle of Wight’s prison.

At yesterday evening’s policy, finance and resources committee, the Empowering Islanders group’s Cllr Chris Jarman probed what has happened to the major funding from the Ministry of Justice (MOJ).

In April 2021, the council reached a deal with the MOJ to take control of some of Newport’s prison estate roads, with £6.3 million granted for maintenance purposes.

A written question from Cllr Jarman said:

“The council press release of October 24 states that £869,000 (around 14 per cent) of that capital payment had been spent on works on the site including lights and drains.

“What is the capital dispensation of all individual amounts paid from the £6.3 million with details of the ring-fenced account(s) containing the balance?”

The council’s statement in response said:

“Following the transfer of ownership to the council, funding was received from the MOJ to facilitate the repair and ongoing maintenance of roads and some public land across Parkhurst, Camphill and the Albany estates.

“This funding included some works to Haskell Road and Clissold Road that remains within the control and ownership of the MOJ.

“Since the point of land transfer, the council has been undertaking regular safety inspections of those elements of the road network for which it is responsible, and carrying out reactive safety works as and when deemed necessary.

“At the same time, the council has been evaluating the condition of the road network and underlying drainage system with the intention of moving forward with the delivery of improvement works.

“It should be noted that the works will not allow for the full reconstruction of the roads and adoption onto the PFI highway network as insufficient funding was transferred by MOJ to facilitate this level of investment.”

The statement added the funding will seek to ‘effectively manage any ongoing safety and maintenance issues’.

It also said the council has had ‘difficulties in recruiting a suitable and experienced project manager’ to support the delivery of the work.

Once it appoints a project manager and contractor to carry out the works, ‘extensive engagement will be carried out’ with the residents of the affected roads prior to the start of works.