By Carole Dennett
Leaders from Hampshire, Portsmouth, and Southampton councils have joined forces in support of the Isle of Wight Council’s bid to remain as an independent unitary authority under the government’s new devolution arrangements.
Although the Devolution White Paper, outlines a preferred local authority size of 500,000 people, it acknowledges that exceptions may be needed. However, The Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, appeared to put the position in doubt when she announced that the Hampshire and Solent bid for devolution had been given priority status.
With a population of around 140,000, the Isle of Wight presents a special case. Cllr Phil Jordan, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, has been at the forefront of making the Island’s case, due to its distinctive demographics and separaton from the mainland by the Solent.
Cllr Jordan explained: “Retaining the Isle of Wight Council as the existing unitary authority is the only option that our council and community would support for local government reorganisation. This position is based on local engagement and the unique needs and identity of our Island community.”
According to Cllr Jordan, the government has so far been receptive to the Isle of Wight’s arguments, with positive comments during multiple meetings with Local Government Minister Jim McMahon. “From the outset of the government announcement on re-organisation, I have been very clear with the Minister and his team of civil servants,” said Cllr Jordan. “On each occasion, I have put the case very firmly for the Island remaining as is – an unchanged unitary council – and received positive feedback regarding our position.”
He added, “To date, the discussions I have had are positive, and the Minister accepts we have a special case for exception. I am working hard to get him to commit to this in writing as soon as possible.”
Other council leaders have now shown solidarity in recognising the Island’s unique circumstances. The leaders of Hampshire, Portsmouth, and Southampton councils have written directly to the Minister, voicing support for the Isle of Wight’s continued independence within the devolution framework.
While the Isle of Wight Council will continue discussions with ministers and senior civil servants in the coming weeks, Cllr Jordan has called for an “early indication” that the Island’s unique position has been formally accepted.
