The Council of the Isles of Scilly is delighted to announce the inclusion of the Smart Islands programme within the government’s Industrial Strategy, which was published today (27 November 2017).
The Industrial Strategy sets out the Government’s plans to build for the future and how they will help businesses create better, higher-paying jobs with investment in the skills, industries and infrastructure of the future.
The Smart Islands programme has been given special recognition for its focus on providing savings for residents and businesses and for demonstrating that innovation can be driven from even the smallest communities and is not confined to the UK’s cities. Scilly’s programme is one of just a handful to be featured as exemplar case studies within the strategy.
Councillor Ted Moulson, Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, said: “The Government’s decision to feature Smart Islands within the Industrial Strategy is extremely positive for the islands and recognises the vision and innovation of the programme. The Smart Islands Partnership’s aim to improve infrastructure, economic prosperity and quality of life on the Isles of Scilly, whilst acting as a proving ground for clean growth across the UK, is unique. The hard work is just beginning, but we hope that Smart Islands will bring significant benefits to Scilly’s economy and provide a useful model for other communities – size and location should not be a barrier to innovation.”
This recognition from central government comes alongside news that the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has agreed in principle to invest up to £2.95 million in the Smart Islands programme on the Isles of Scilly.
The LEP’s contribution would come from the Government’s Local Growth Fund, which is investing over £70m through the ‘Growth Deal’ programme to improve infrastructure and grow the economy of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The proposal is to use these funds for three projects. Firstly, an energy from waste scheme that will reduce expensive shipping and generate energy for the community. Secondly, an electric car-share scheme and charging points that will allow car batteries to help manage energy loads whilst also reducing the need for car ownership. Thirdly, funding will be available to install renewable energy solutions for local businesses.
You can read the full Industrial Strategy at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-strategy-building-...