Joe Robertson has criticised the Government’s decision to cancel the Islands Forum and Connectivity Project, calling the move deeply concerning for the Isle of Wight.
Joe Robertson has slammed the Government’s decision to scrap the Islands Forum, describing it as a “disgrace” in a letter to Housing Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh.
The Islands Forum and accompanying Connectivity Project were established in 2022 under the previous government. However, in a recent letter to local council leaders and MPs, Ms Fahnbulleh confirmed that the Forum would not continue in its previous form.
She wrote:
“It is clear the issues that matter most to islanders stretch beyond my department’s priorities and direct control. It is therefore with regret that, against the backdrop of a difficult financial inheritance and tough spending choices, I have concluded that the Islands Forum should not continue in its previous form. For the same reasons, we will also not progress the Islands Forum Connectivity Project.”
In his response, Mr Robertson said:
“While I recognise that your Government may wish to take a revised approach to improving outcomes for islands, it should not cancel this important programme without something substantive to replace it with. Your unilateral decision without any consultation with MPs is particularly concerning for the Isle of Wight. Some people were optimistic that a new government might take a fresh approach to the challenges faced by our unique island community. Sadly, the fresh approach seems to be much worse than anything that has gone before. Increased tax and funding cuts to hand over more money to northern cities.”
The East Wight MP also referred to what he described as a “perfect storm” of decisions affecting the Island.
“Islanders are facing a perfect storm – cuts to Council funding, blocked access to devolution funding, a tax on car ferries and possible taxation powers on overnight visitors, all at the hands of the Government. Ending the Island Forums removes one of the few mechanisms specifically designed to ensure our island voice is heard in Westminster and Whitehall.”
Mr Robertson has requested an urgent response from the Government ahead of Isle of Wight Council’s budget vote on 25th February.
