Subsidise the Isle of Wight ferries so they are affordable to Island residents.

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

The Isle of Wight is in the bottom quartile of the UK economy with higher than average levels of poverty. The ferries provide a critical lifeline but are unregulated, and fares have now risen to unaffordable levels for many. We need the Government to step in and subsidise fares for IOW residents.

Unregulated private equity companies have pushed up ferry fares. Residents of the Isle of Wight, making personal visits to the Mainland, are now in need of financial support - in the form of a Government subsidy - to afford access to essential visits to the Mainland. Establishing this subsidy would be a useful objective for the newly formed Cross Solent Transport Group, to deliver value for Island residents as well as the ferry companies; facilitating economic growth through increased travel.

Why it was rejected

It was about a matter for a local council or devolved government, not the UK Government or Parliament.

We can’t accept petitions that call for action at a local level.

You could ask your MP to take action on your concerns about this issue, including by asking them to present a public (paper) petition about this.

You can find contact details for your local MP here: https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP

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You could also raise your issue with a local councillor who represents you. You can use this page to find out who your local councillors are, and how to contact them: https://www.gov.uk/find-your-local-councillors

Timeline

5 Feb 2026	Petition opened for signatures
12 Mar 2026	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21

Status Rejected

Rejected 12 Mar 2026

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