The Government has confirmed that millions of pounds allocated to Ryde via a new Town Board will finally be delivered.
The previous Conservative Government announced that 75 UK towns, including Ryde, would benefit from £20 million each of Government money however, the new Labour Government cast doubt on the plans when it announced a “review” after winning the General Election.
In a call with MPs after the Budget, Alex Norris, Minister for Local Growth, confirmed that all of the towns, including Ryde, would get the money as originally promised.
The Town Board plans were originally due for submission to Government in August of this year but in light of the delay imposed by the Chancellor, Ryde Town Board will be given until Spring 2025 to submit a final plan.
Joe Robertson, MP for Isle of Wight East and a member of Ryde Town Board, welcomed the continuing commitment to the previous Government’s Long Term Plan for Towns.
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.
"A lot of work has already gone into Ryde Town Board’s draft plan, and 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.”
Plans will be due for submission on an unspecified date in Spring 2025, with an extra ‘capacity payment’ of £200,000 being made before then to “improve and deepen” the 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.
Mr Robertson added:
“I look forward to working with my fellow Ryde Town Board members, including its Chair Steve Holbrook, together with Ryde Town Council, the Isle of Wight Council and the whole Ryde community to ensure we make the best of this once in a generation opportunity.”
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