The Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet voted unanimously last night (Thursday)  to apply to be included in the Government’s priority devolution programme.

The move aims to strengthen funding and powers for the Island’s local government, gaining greater control over issues like transport links, but could lead to all local May elections being delayed, if the government agrees to the application. The IW Council will be told by the end of this month.

Clarifying misconceptions

IW Council leader, Phil Jordan, and Cllr Jonathan Bacon addressed misinformation about the devolution process, distinguishing it from local government reorganisation. Cllr Jordan stated, “Our aim is clear – to maintain and strengthen the Isle of Wight Council.”

Collaboration and decision-making

Cllr Jordan explained that devolution wouldn’t abolish the council but would allow collaborative work with Hampshire, Portsmouth, and Southampton under a combined authority. Decision-making would have to be unanimous on issues that are currently decided by politicians and civil servants in Whitehall.

Although each devolution deal is negotiated separately, typically devolved powers and funding cover things like major transport infrastructure, health, regeneration and education, skills and employment initiatives, all designed to improve economic development in the region. The deal would be likely to include an elected mayor who would also have voting rights. Importantly for the Island, responsibility for ferry links, could also transfer to the new strategic authority, a key issue already agreed with partnering councils. Cllr Jordan said, after the meeting, “We’ve got to start getting control over these ferries; it is so important to the future of the Island – we need to get on with it as soon as possible. However well-intentioned they are, ministers and civil servants don’t live on the Island and cannot understand the day-to-day realities of having to depend entirely on the ferry services to access mainland services, and get goods across the Solent.”

Support and opposition

A heated debate at Wednesday’s Extraordinary Full Council meeting on the same subject resulted in a 16-12 vote opposing the plans. Most Tories, Empowering Islanders, and Independent, David Adams, voted against, while voting Alliance members, the Liberal Democrats, three Tories, and Independent Labour, Geoff Brodie, who had submitted an amendment that had been accepted, supported the plans. However, despite also being members of the council, Cabinet members were advised not to vote at Wednesday’s full council meeting to avoid legal complications.

Cllr Jordan noted that Thursday’s cabinet meeting, at which all seven members present spoke enthusiastially about the positive outcomes that devolution could deliver, allowed the gaps in Wednesday’s voting to be addressed. Following last night’s vote, he said there would have been an 19-16 majority in favour of applying for priority devolution status if all councillors could have voted on Wednesday. Cllr Jordan said this majority had influenced the Cabinet’s decision to proceed, and provided a clear mandate.

A unique case for the Island

Cllr Jordan clarified that local government reorganisation favours unitary authorities with populations of at least 500,000, sparking concerns on Wednesday about a merger with mainland areas. However, he emphasised that places like the IW, with a population of 140,000, could apply for unique treatment. If accepted onto the priority programme, the council has until autumn to make the case to remain separate. If not accepted, the arguments must be put forward by May. The resolution passed last night highlighted the Island’s history of self-governance since 1890, saying our unique geography and history should be recognised.

Cllr Paul Fuller reassured residents that evidence elsewhere suggests local planning controls would not be lost under devolution, another concern raised in Wednesday’s meeting.

Potential election delay

The Cabinet has requested to delay the scheduled May council elections by one year to focus on establishing a Combined Strategic Authority. Town, parish and community council elections would also be deferred. Cllr Jordan stated, “The Government has made it clear that requesting an election delay demonstrates serious intent to make devolution work.” Elections will only be deferred if the Isle of Wight and its partners are accepted onto the programme.

“We are not being forced; we have an opportunity in front of us,” Cllr Jordan added. “The government want areas that are committed to devolution. They have opened the door – they want to know if we want to come through it?”

Divided opinions from MPs

Labour’s IW West MP, Richard Quigley, supports priority status, stating, “We need to be on the front foot in conversations with potential partners in devolution. This is our chance to have a bigger voice in our future, lobby for better funding, control of transport, housing, skills, and employment support. Devolution presents a huge opportunity for Islanders and for our communities to thrive. We all want what’s best for the Island.”

However, Conservative IW East MP, Joe Robertson, remains sceptical, warning of potential risks. “This is not just a devolution proposal – it is about the centralisation of existing powers too,” he said. “One of those is for strategic planning and our ability to decide how many homes we build on the Island and where. We cannot give any power away to a mayor representing a largely mainland constituency to make these decisions with government.” He also fears rising Council Tax bills without clear benefits for Islanders.