By Press Release
The Government has confirmed that millions of pounds previously allocated to Ryde is to be delivered as promised.
Ryde was one of 75 UK towns identified to benefit from £20 million each by the previous Conservative government. The incoming Labour government announced a review after winning the election, but has now confirmed that all the towns will benefit from the funds.
In a call with MPs whose constituencies were affected after the Budget, Alex Norris, Minister for Local Growth, confirmed the funding.
Town Board plans were originally due to be completed in August this year but Ryde now has until Spring 2025 to submit a final plan.
East Wight MP, Joe Robertson, a member of Ryde Town Board, welcomed the continuing commitment, He said: “I am pleased that the new government has confirmed that it is committed to Ryde Town Board and providing the £20 million in full. I joined with cross-Party MPs in Westminster to make the case for this programme continuing across the country. The Budget made for some fairly grim reading, especially for small businesses, but at least there is some good news for Ryde.”
“We now have the opportunity to consult further with the local community and local businesses to ensure that we submit the best plan possible. The Minister was very strong on ensuring everyone has a chance to influence the plan, so I look forward to reopening our local consultation.”
Substantive funding is expected to start in 2026 and last into the mid-2030s. The original themes of transport, heritage and community safety remain, however the Minister said there would be a revised prospectus to reflect Labour’s priorities which should be incorporated into the final plan.
