Key island issues discussed with ministers

Council leader Dave Stewart, right, with local Government minister James Brokenshire

Isle of Wight councillors met with government ministers last weekend to discuss key issues such as the Island’s unique funding case, housing numbers and homelessness.

Council leader Dave Stewart and several other Cabinet members and councillors talked with housing minister Kit Malthouse, homelessness minister Heather Wheeler to discuss the work the council is doing and James Brokenshire – the secretary of state for local Government to talk about the Island Plan.

“These informal meetings were a team effort to ensure our Island issues were brought right in the heart of the Government and that ministers are fully briefed,” said Councillor Stewart.

“I am pleased to say our engagement was well received and we were given a positive response in all the areas we discussed.

“This is important work – advocating for the Island – and not everyone has the opportunity to engage with government at this level, but I am determined we will raise our Island case at every opportunity.”

Island MP Bob Seely has been briefed on the outcomes and Councillor Stewart said he would be meeting with him again in the next couple of weeks to discuss how they can work together on the Island Plan, regeneration and taking forward the ‘unique Island case’ further.