CHANCELLOR of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, recognised the Isle of Wight’s 'specific barriers to economic growth’, in Parliament on Tuesday.
However, Mr Hammond told Island MP Andrew Turner the Isle of Wight had already benefited from nearly £15 million of investment to expand its skills base, support business growth and improve transport links as part of the Solent growth deal.
Mr Turner asked Mr Hammond what steps he was taking to encourage economic growth in coastal areas and asked the chancellor if he thought the Island deserved extra support because of its separation by sea.
He said: "Coastal areas face specific challenges because they do not have 360 degree access to trade with neighbouring areas and the IW faces additional challenges because we have not physical link with the mainland. Does my right honourable friend regard the IW as a special case that deserves extra support from the Government."
Mr Hammond said: "I know that every single one of my right hon. and honourable friends will regard his or her constituency as a special case but I can tell my honourable friend that the government recognises the specific barriers to economic growth by coastal areas such as the IW.
"That is why we are extending the coastal communities fund by at least a further £90 million across the United Kingdom over the current Parliament.
"In addition, as my hon. Friend will know, through the Solent growth deal the Isle of Wight has benefited from nearly £15 million of investment to expand the skills base, support business growth and improve transport links."
Earlier, Mr Hammond told the Commons that the government had invested more than £125 million across the UK through the coastal communities fund. The investment was forecast to deliver more than 18,000 jobs and help to attract more than £240 million of additional funds to coastal areas.

Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk