Joe Robertson, Member of Parliament for Isle Wight East, has urged the Government to prioritise funding and support for the East Wight following the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (ICON) report which identifies the constituency as the second most left behind in England.
The report is intended to direct the Government on how to deliver on its ‘five missions’ which include building an NHS fit for the future, kickstarting economic growth and breaking down barriers to opportunity by reforming education.
The ICON report, points to poor infrastructure, lower paid jobs, poor health outcomes and limited educational attainment. In his letter, Mr Robertson stressed the need for substantial public investment to reverse these trends.
Now the East Wight has been identified as the second most in need he says he wants to see the Government, “respond decisively and make good on its promise” to deliver on its five missions.
The MP referred to the Council’s recent consultation to close Island primary schools and criticised the “per-pupil” national funding criteria which he says “may work for England in general [but], is undermining our ability to provide educational choice locally because of our unique connectivity and demographic challenges.
It threatens the viability of many of our primary schools which serve deprived areas close to home”. He asks the Government for support.
The MP says in his letter:
“The report identifies 94 per cent of the East Wight population as living in neighbourhoods with the highest need.
"Only one constituency ranks higher in all of England’s 543 constituencies.
"The report uses data for crime, health, energy, jobs and educational achievement and I understand that it will inform the basis of the Government’s plan to invest and deliver on its 'five missions'.
"That means the Government should be making the East Wight, and indeed the whole Island, a priority as it now has the evidence it needs.”
The letter goes on to say:
"I therefore request a meeting with you to discuss ways in which the Government plans to deliver on its five missions in my constituency.
"In particular, support for ensuring we avoid closing schools serving more deprived communities, improve health and social care outcomes, attract new investment to secure better jobs and reduce the cost and inconvenience of getting on and off the Island.
"I am looking to the government to respond decisively and make good on its promise in accordance with its own commissioned report.”
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