A proposal setting out a root and branch overhaul of local government across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight was rejected by County Hall last night (Wednesday).
Full council voted against a landmark vision for local government reorganisation (LGR) put forward by 12 councils across the region: ‘Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong’.
The chamber was sharply divided, with 15 in favour and 19 against.
A model of 5 unitary authorities was put forward: 4 new mainland councils in place of 14 existing ones, and the Isle of Wight keeping its current position.
It was drawn up in light of far-reaching devolution and local government reorganisation plans unveiled by Whitehall in December last year.
The reforms include 2 separate but related policy packages: shifting powers and funding from Whitehall to England’s regions by creating Strategic Authorities with elected mayors and ending the two-tier system of county and district councils with new unitary authorities covering populations of at least 500,000.
In February, then Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution Jim McMahon, invited LGR proposals from Hampshire and Solent councils.
The proposal rejected this evening aimed to simplify local structures, improve coordination of services and deliver estimated annual savings of at least £63.9 million.
Section 5 of the document gives its case for the Island keeping its unitary authority:
“With a track record of financial sustainability and effective service delivery, the Isle of Wight Council has operated successfully as a unitary council since 1995.
“The Island’s unique geography, accessible only by ferry, creates distinct logistical and service delivery challenges that are best addressed through a locally focused model.
“Being an independent authority has enabled tailored responses to challenges, demographic pressures and environmental priorities while protecting the Island’s local identity.“Maintaining the Isle of Wight as an independent or unitary authority will ensure it continues to respond to local needs while standing alongside new the mainland unitary councils through an enhanced partnership.”
“Shifting powers and funding from Whitehall to England’s regions by creating Strategic Authorities with elected mayors” is a good idea if the elected mayor is Island based. Anything else will see the Island severely disadvantaged with resources likely shifted to benefit the mainland. The Island needs an Island Mayor representing Island people for the benefit of the Island!!
What the council do not seem to grasp together with many islanders is that the IOW cannot stand alone under these proposals, we have no single reason to claim special independent status and our population is less than a third of the figure needed for such a proposal. Making an agreement on reasonable terms with a maniland council is the only logical way forward but no doubt our council will continue to bury its head in the sand and hope it all goes away..
There is a mixing up two things. Last night’s vote was about the reorganisation of councils in Hampshire & Isle of Wight.
They are having another meeting to discuss the regional mayor, but what ever island councillors think, we will be getting one mayor overseeing all of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight & the election will take place in May 2026.
Does it really matter who is Mayor or where the Mayor
is based.
The majority of people I come across on the island at one
time in their life moved to the island from the mainland.
Some when they were young, some when they were old.
I personally don’t care who is running the show as long
as they address issues.
Eg expense ferry fares
£2 nightly parking charges
50p to use toilets
Speeding
Parking on Pavements
Parking on Double Yellow Lines
Etc etc
Maybe we need a Mayor of culture, one who doesn’t
mind imposing rules.
Sadiq Khan is doing a great job in the big smoke
20mph is plenty
The island lacks rules and discipline.
The funniest thing i read here is “sadiq khan is doing a great job” and “20mph is plenty” lol seriously omg absolutey dillousional.
Until very recently, the Island had a single MP “representing Island people for the benefit of the Island.” How can the idea of mayor be viewed as anything other than a wholly unnecessary, costly layer of unwanted and unneeded government?
The 11 other councils asked for the Isle of Wight to support their submission to central government. In return,the other 11 supported keeping IW Council as an independent local authority.
But last night our councillors voted down that agreement. They voted against having
I watched the debate last night. It was atrocious. Some councillors clearly didnt read the papers and didnt know what they were voting for.
Some even thought the Government will take notice of last night’s vote. How naive can they be?
To sum up in one word. Delusional.
Bit like Brexit, no one really knew what they
were voting for, if they did they would have realised
it has fcuked up staying in Europe all year round.
Also since Brexit more dinghy’s have been entering
the country.
Does anyone know what Brexit actually achieved apart from
more division between people!
Also whatever happened about the extra £350,000,000.00
a week.
Was the Brexit Bus FALSE advertising by BOJO!
Imagine if we got something like Sadiq khan, god help us.