MP Bob Seely has praised the IW Council for their ‘exceptional work’ during the Covid-19 pandemic in Parliament as he asked the minister in charge of local Government funding to consider a better deal for public services on the Isle of Wight.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Thursday (9 July) Mr Seely said: “I thank the Isle of Wight Council and all its staff for their exceptional work in looking after Islanders during this dreadful pandemic.”
He highlighted the work of IW Council’s Chief Executive, John Metcalfe, Assistant Chief Executive, Wendy Perera, their teams, and a number of senior councillors.
“On behalf of Islanders, I thank John Metcalfe and Wendy Perera and all their teams, and council leader Dave Stewart and his senior team, Councillors Stuart Hutchinson and Wayne Whittle. I mention those people because it is important to give recognition where recognition is due.”
Mr Seely thanked the minister for the better deal that the Island has already received in the past two years, including the approx. £46m committed for Ryde Railway Pier, and asked to meet to continue discussions over the Government’s levelling-up agenda.
Mr Seely also assured the minister that a fairer deal for the Island would not set a precedent as there was no authority in England and Wales facing similar issues of separation by sea.
In response, Local Government Minister, Simon Clarke, said: “I had good talks with my honourable friend, the Member for the Isle of Wight, and we continue to look at his Island Deal.
“The whole country - all the nations and regions of the United Kingdom should look forward to our work on levelling up. We are committed to making it happen and making it happen soon.”
Speaking afterwards, Mr Seely said: “We are already getting a better deal on the Island. We got £100 million of extra capital investment last year in the form of £48 million for our NHS to drive forward reform, about £46 million for Ryde railway pier and Ryde railway and investment in some great pilot schemes, so we are getting there.
“I look forward to talking to the minister again soon to discuss options in further detail.”