Following last week’s IW Observer report on serious governance concerns at Visit Isle of Wight Ltd (VIOW), both the Island’s MPs are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the tourism body.

VIOW is funded by the compulsory WightBID levy, paid by around 1,200 local businesses. However, only 27 were registered as members prior to the current election process, with other levy-payers unable to vote or attend AGMs. Business owners have accused the organisation of failing to engage with levy payers and ignoring its own Articles of Association – including rules on director re-election, board composition, and remuneration for board members.

Kent-based chairman of the body, David Curtis-Brignell, admitted elections were not held due to ‘an oversight’, which meant that directors who should have faced re-election every three years had been in post for eight years. He also confirmed he holds a part-time contract.

Mr Curtis-Brignell has now clarified that he has a contract with Visit Isle of Wight. While it is believed that this contract includes duties such as chairing and directing board meetings which can be carried out unpaid by any director if he is absent, it also includes additional duties. The IW Observer asked for a copy of the contract, but it has not been provided. It has also been confirmed that he is paid £10,000 a year for working one day per week.

In addition, Mr Curtis-Brignell indicated that an interest-free £5,000 loan to a director had not been approved by the full board. As the tourism body has the power to direct the IW Council to take those who do not pay the levy to court, regardless of their circumstances, this has proved a particularly bitter pill for struggling tourism businesses – many of whom say they’ve received no meaningful support or engagement from the organisation they are legally required to fund.

This week, Richard Quigley MP (IW West) said: “Putting aside whether or not VIOW is value for money for BID payers (and I am one), I think all businesses appreciate efforts to boost tourism in whatever form, but it is very, very concerning that VIOW are not following their own articles of association or operating with the utmost levels of transparency.

“We really don’t need the organisation responsible for bringing visitors to the Island to fall into disrepute. For the good of the Island, I am happy to help where possible, but we need VIOW to get their house in order as soon as possible.”

Joe Robertson MP (IW East) added: “Transparency and accountability is very important, particularly when spending money taken through a compulsory levy from local businesses. I am concerned that the rules – or the spirit of the rules – have not been followed and I am seeking an explanation from VIOW on behalf of local businesses.

“Local engagement has not been good enough – that must change.”

Mr Curtis-Brignell said he would respond to the IW Observer’s outstanding original questions this week. However, his replies arrived too late yesterday (Thursday) to be included in this report. We will follow up the issue next week, once we have had the opportunity to review his responses.