By Isle of Wight Observer
Islanders are now being invited to take part in a public consultation on government proposals to create a Mayoral Combined Authority across Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight.
Council leaders, from the four areas, have expressed an interest in moving forward with jointly developed devolution proposals, and the area has been selected to be fast-tracked for implementation, with changes introduced as early as May next year. It is envisaged that a combined strategic authority, led by a mayor, will deliver greater control over issues such as transport, housing and economic growth policy.
The government’s position is that an authority, led by a directly elected mayor, would provide a united and more localised approach to decision-making across the region. Existing local councils would retain responsibility for services such as education and social care, working in collaboration with the new authority on strategic decisions. The previous Conservative government also supported devolution for the region, and was working with the councils to develop proposals until Labour won the general election last year.
There will also be local government reorganisation within Hampshire to move the current County and District Councils into a single unitary authority. However, all parties to the proposed Hampshire and Solent devolution deal have told the government that they do not support any reorganisation that would result in a cross-Solent council, reflecting the Isle of Wight’s unique geography and demographics. IW Council leader, Phil Jordan, says this position is accepted and supported by the government.
However there has been debate sparked by the concept. Isle of Wight East MP, Joe Robertson (Conservative), is firmly opposed to the devolutions plans, while IW West MP, Richard Quigley (Labour), supports them, citing potential additional funding and more decisions made closer to home and by people who know the area. Independent Labour councillor, Geoff Brodie, has called for a wide-ranging debate on the future of the Isle of Wight Council itself, questioning its sustainability as a small local authority.
All four councils have argued strongly that control over local transport policy should be part of the devolution deal, placing particular emphasis on the cross-Solent ferries. Currently all transport policy is made in Whitehall, with no local accountability for decision-makers.
The government’s White Paper on devolution published in December is clear; it intends to “hardwire” devolution into local government “so that every part of the country can unlock the benefits and opportunities that devolution brings.” The paper makes clear there must not be any devolution ‘islands’ – areas which are too small to go it alone or which do not have natural partners. Where they are unable to work collaboratively with councils to agree how to devolve powers, the government will legislate to create a “national layer” of strategic authorities.
Islanders can review the full proposal, and submit their responses until midnight on April 13, via iw.observer/devolution-consultation.