By Isle of Wight Observer
The government has not ruled out the Isle of Wight Council remaining a unitary authority.
Whitehall has welcomed ‘additional thinking’ on the Isle of Wight’s ‘exceptional circumstances’ in feedback on a Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) plan.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government responded to an Interim LGR Plan submitted by Hampshire and Solent councils.
The Hampshire and Solent councils’ Interim Plan made the case for the Isle of Wight Council remaining a separate unitary authority due to its ‘exceptional circumstances’, despite the Island’s population being forecast to be 148,000 by 2028 – well under the 500,000 figure.
The plan said: “As the physical boundary to the Island remains, the opportunities to reduce fixed costs and make procurement efficiencies and estate rationalisations are limited.
“No model of local government reorganisation will address challenges regarding the tax base and financial sustainability of the Island, whilst balancing and adding further challenge to the delivery of services from a geographical and financial perspective.
“Furthermore, Isle of Wight residents possess a distinct cultural identity which does not necessarily align with mainland residents.”
The government’s feedback said: “We welcome the additional thinking conducted regarding the Isle of Wight. If pursuing this option, it would be helpful to build on the existing rationale and provide a full assessment against each criterion in your final proposal(s).”
Six guidance criteria for unitary local government proposals were attached to Mr McMahon’s February letter.
Responding to Whitehall’s feedback, an Isle of Wight Council spokesman said: “We acknowledge the feedback on the interim plan.
We welcome the recognition of the Isle of Wight’s unique circumstances and the encouragement to further develop the rationale for the Island within any future proposals.
“We remain committed to constructive dialogue with the local authorities across Hampshire, Southampton and Portsmouth and government to ensure the best outcomes for our residents.”
The deadline for final LGR proposals is September 26.
