Emergency Inter-island transport fund welcomed – George  

Isles of Scilly MP Andrew George has welcomed news of up to £150,000 in emergency Government funding to maintain lifeline inter-island boat services on the Isles of Scilly this winter. Today’s offer of funding follows the decision by St Agnes Boating to withdraw its services this winter.  

Andrew spoke to Maritime Minister Keir Mather MP today and received the attached letter confirming the emergency funding. The minister wrote that he “recognised the concern” caused by the withdrawal and acknowledged that the services are “essential for local people to go about their daily lives”, including accessing “education, healthcare, social and wellbeing related activities on St Mary’s”.  

He confirmed that “joint emergency funding from DfT and MHCLG totalling up to £150,000 has been agreed for 2026/27” to help ensure residents continue to be served.  

Andrew George MP said: “I spoke to the Minister earlier to thank him for his welcome intervention. This will be a great relief to islanders. However, we’ve agreed this has just bought us time to find a sustainable solution for the long term.” 

The Minister also confirmed that officials are working with the Council to consider “how longer-term financial support for the islands might be best structured” from the next Spending Review.