With @councillordave1 (@iwight), I have submitted a detailed response about cross-Solent connectivity to a major, independent review of transport infrastructure.
We've highlighted the “uniquely disadvantageous” position the #IsleofWight faces, compared to other UK islands.
1/9
We've highlighted the “uniquely disadvantageous” position the #IsleofWight faces, compared to other UK islands.
1/9
As we outline in our submission, the intervention we secured for the pandemic (legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/370/… & gov.uk/government/new…) was a "watershed moment".
We should not return to the "old normal" of our connectivity being entirely at the discretion of private companies.
2/9
We should not return to the "old normal" of our connectivity being entirely at the discretion of private companies.
2/9
Our concern relates to the structure of cross-Solent connectivity.
We know the local management of the operators (@wightlinkferry, @RedFunnelFerry & @HovertravelLtd) are focused on serving the Island's needs as best they can, and we thank them - esp. during the pandemic.
3/9
We know the local management of the operators (@wightlinkferry, @RedFunnelFerry & @HovertravelLtd) are focused on serving the Island's needs as best they can, and we thank them - esp. during the pandemic.
3/9
But ultimately, the ferry companies are not formally answerable for their operational decisions to anyone but their shareholders. This is not an acceptable model for an lifeline service.
We are asking Sir Peter Hendy to look at this as part of his Union Connectivity Review.
4/9
We are asking Sir Peter Hendy to look at this as part of his Union Connectivity Review.
4/9
We also highlight the additional costs associated with providing public services on an physically separate island (as previously set out mcusercontent.com/02d5c8d4bb74d4…).
As long the #IsleofWight remains separated by sea, we need a funding settlement that reflects this distinction.
5/9
As long the #IsleofWight remains separated by sea, we need a funding settlement that reflects this distinction.
5/9
In our submission, we outline two main ways in which @GOVUK can ensure that its "levelling up" agenda reaches the #IsleofWight through improved connectivity and increased prosperity.
We ask Sir Peter to consider these, whilst making clear our preference for (1) below.
6/9
We ask Sir Peter to consider these, whilst making clear our preference for (1) below.
6/9
We consider that the £s required to establish a fixed link would likely be far in excess of the costs involved with making a meaningful intervention in existing cross-Solent connectivity and providing additional funding available for public services, even over many years.
7/9
7/9
Our preference would be to see (1) above as the best way forward to significantly improve cross-Solent connectivity and help level up the Isle of Wight’s economy & prosperity with neighbouring parts of the mainland, whilst maintaining its distinctiveness & unique character.
8/9
8/9
I would urge all Islanders to read the submission in full, which can be found online at: bobseely.org.uk/sites/www.bobs…
Improving connectivity and public service funding will make a real difference in helping the #IsleofWight secure a more prosperous future.
9/9
Improving connectivity and public service funding will make a real difference in helping the #IsleofWight secure a more prosperous future.
9/9
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