From John Metcalfe, Chief Executive County Hall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD Tel Fax Email DX Web (01983) 821000 ext 6225 (01983) 823123 john.metcalfe@iow.gov.uk 56361 Newport (Isle of Wight) www.iwight.com Our Ref: Your Ref: JPM/jpm/160208.DfT.IslandLine 8 February 2016 South Western Consultation Coordinator 4/15 Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, SW1P 4DR Dear Sirs, South Western Franchise: Stakeholder Consultation I write on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council in response to the Department for Transport’s stakeholder consultation exercise in respect of the above. Of particular and primary concern to the Council is the treatment of the Isle of Wight’s rail connection Island Line, which links one of the Island’s principal towns and pedestrian gateways with its major tourist and settlement areas. The Council’s formal position in respect of the future of Island Line was agreed following a lengthy debate at its meeting of September 2015 and is as set out below:THAT Council: (i) Notes that the next South Western rail franchise period will commence in 2017, two years earlier than had been anticipated. (ii) Further notes that the proposed “Island Infrastructure Taskforce” (as agreed by Full Council in November 2014) has not secured any funding from government, and therefore has not been established. (iii) In light of (i) and (ii) above, reaches a view that Island Line should remain as a fully integral part of the South Western rail franchise for the entire duration of its post-2017 period. (iv) Makes representations to the Department of Transport (DfT) stating this unequivocal view, and urges them to ensure that the franchise specification invites bidders to set out how they would invest in, maintain and improve the service throughout this time. Cont Calls on the DIT to ensure that. as part of the Ionhcoming public consultation process about the new lranchise, at least one formal consultation session is held on the Isle ol Wight. (vi)Agrees that a longer-term look at the Island's strategic transport needs -- including that ol subsequent operational arrangements for rail travel (lor beyond the next lranchise period) - are looked at when resources allow lor, panicularly it external Iunds can be secured to suppon this work. OI most relevance to this consultation process are items and The Council appreciates that the DH was able to arrange a public consultation event on the Island (item I would not however want to overlook the aspirations set out in item (vi) which are consistent With the Council's previous aspirations shared and discussed the DH and relevant Ministers. I would also draw your attention to the Council's response of September 2015 to HM Treasury with regard to governments spending review 2015 and which set out at para 33 that:- key part of the discussions on a possible devolution deal has been to enhance the Island's connectivity to the mainland so that our businesses and residents take advantage of the opportunities available there. Of great concern in this regard is in securing the future of the local train service -- Island Line which connects a significant proportion of the Island's population to feny and hovercrafi services. Our understanding is that this service requires significant capital investment to secure its ongoing provision and we seek Govemment's support to ensure Network Rail has sufficient funds to apply to this vital local service Sinoe agreeing its lormal position in respect ol Island Line the Council secured the assistance ol transport expert Christopher Garnett who otlered to consider how the long term sustainability ol Island Line could be achieved given its importance to the Isle ol Wight and the local economy. Mr Garnett has undertaken a considerable amount of work and met with a number of signilicant stakeholders to examine the issue in more detail. He has prepared a comprehensive paper exploring options lor the Island Line, a copy ol which is attached lor your inlormation. The Council expects to formally consider Mr Garnett's report in March and therelore it is provided as information only at this stage, The Council's lormal position therefore remains as set out above, I hope this response is helplul in determining how the DIT will ensure the oontinuance of the Island Line service as pan of its lranchising process and to ensure that this valuable service is retained for the economic and social benelits it secures tor the Isle ol Wight. The Council looks lorward to hearing how the DFT would intend to develop its proposals in respect ol Island Line and would ask that that it is kept fully inlormed of progress in this regard. Yours sincerely John Metcalte Chiet Executive Enclosure: 'The Future of Island Line -- Options Report'