What’s being kept hidden using Freedom of Information rules?
An investigation by the IW Observer has revealed troubling concerns about the Transport Infrastructure Board (TIB), a body created to address critical transport issues on the Isle of Wight. Shockingly, the TIB appears to operate without clear terms of reference, oversight, or a defined role. Now it has decided to manage local media, rather than tackling real infrastructure challenges.
The background
You’ve probably never heard of it, but the TIB was established in 2017 by the Isle of Wight Council, replacing the earlier Transport Infrastructure Taskforce. Its original mission was to report to the council on how to address the Island’s transport challenges to support economic growth. However, as our investigation has uncovered, the TIB seems to have strayed far from its intended purpose.
Amid escalating financial troubles faced by cross-Solent operator, Red Funnel, we set out to uncover what the TIB has done to address these crucial issues. What we found was far from reassuring.
Digging for answers
Our inquiry began with a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the IW Council last August, asking for records of the TIB’s meetings. Initially, the council claimed the information didn’t fall under FOI requirements, stating that its attendance at TIB meetings was merely to “stay informed” about projects and that the TIB was a completely separate body.
But a deeper search revealed a contradiction. A letter to the government confirmed that the council itself established the TIB.
Undeterred, we appealed the refusal and managed to obtain redacted copies of TIB meeting minutes – but the council decided to use Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations. While this curious workaround gave us access to some documents, our request for internal communications was denied on technical grounds.
Adding another layer of confusion, when we asked for the TIB’s Terms of Reference, we were eventually sent a 2017 draft document of the Cross Solent Operators Board. This lack of clarity exposes a glaring gap — an important body meant to guide vital infrastructure has no apparent objectives, rules, or accountability.
Media manipulation over action?
While disappointing, the information we did receive offers a revealing (and worrying) insight into the TIB’s priorities. During their December meeting, Red Funnel’s CEO, Fran Collins, voiced concerns over “bad press,” claiming media coverage of issues involving Red Funnel had been “damaging to the Island.” Rather than focusing on resolving the actual issues – such as the ferry operator’s service failures – the TIB discussed how they could get the media “on side” by creating a communications plan to send out “positive news” under a new Isle of Wight TI Board brand.
It seems no one in attendance, including council officers or Visit Isle of Wight’s tourism chief, Will Myles, considered that Red Funnel’s ongoing service problems -plagued by high prices, poor reliability, and financial woes – might be the real cause of negative press.
We should explain that every time the IW Observer has reported on Red Funnel, we’ve extended an invitation to Ms Collins to comment. She has declined each and every opportunity. It doesn’t take a communications wizard to realise that honesty and transparency are the best ways to address public concerns and build trust – simply answering questions would help.
Why this matters
The TIB’s apparent failure to address transport challenges raises crucial questions about its role and effectiveness. For a body tasked with overseeing infrastructure improvements that directly impact residents’ lives and the Island’s economy, their focus on managing PR rather than tackling solutions is deeply concerning.
The Isle of Wight deserves better than a cosy arrangement between the ferry companies and the IW Council. This Island relies on resilient and affordable transport options to support not only residents and businesses, but also the vital tourism economy. A lack of vision and action in addressing these critical issues will have serious and lasting consequences.
What’s next?
The IW Observer is still waiting for more information. This investigation is ongoing. We will continue digging deeper into the workings (or lack of them) of the TIB.
We’ll have more updates for you next week but, in the meantime, we’d welcome your thoughts. Does the TIB reflect the Island’s priorities, and is it delivering on its purpose?
Send your observations to newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk or 104 St James’ Square, Newport, PO30 1UR.
