“Valuable engagement” during Islands Forum

Council Leader Heather Woodbridge has described the fourth Islands Forum meeting as “incredibly valuable” in terms of engaging with the UK Government and other island leaders. 

The two-day event, from 7-8 May, on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales was chaired by the Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove. 

The Forum this year, focused on housing, including topics such as tackling housing shortages and putting vacant properties back into use.  

She said: “What strikes me is how similar many of the challenges are that all our island communities in the UK face. 

“We discussed valuable strategic ways to look at potential solutions to housing challenges. It was also a chance to discuss VAT and how the UK Government can take steps to support our island communities and prevent those additional costs that we incur. 

“Engaging with the UK Government in-person and at a high level is so important for us – we may be a small community, but we continue to punch above our weight. Our recent success stories are proof of this – the £20m of Levelling Up funding; the announcement of a £3m package to EMEC to assist with the transition to Net Zero and a further £1.6m for island connectivity.” 

The devolved governments also had a key role, with ministers in attendance from the Scottish and Welsh Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive, as well as the local MP. 

The Islands Forum helps to level up island communities by encouraging collaboration on common challenges such as skills, connectivity and infrastructure, as well as exploring shared opportunities, such as the transition to net zero. It also allows the UK government to hear and learn from island communities to inform future policy.  

Ahead of the Forum, Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove MP said: “Islands are distinct and vital parts of the United Kingdom, contributing a huge amount to our country.  

“The Islands Forum allows island communities to come together and work with government to address key challenges and opportunities. This is an opportunity to hear from islands about their unique housing challenges, and to learn more about how they are tackling them in a pioneering and dynamic way.”