The Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, Councillor Phil Jordan, has issued a strongly-worded reply to local MP Joe Robertson, pushing back against claims made about the proposed Solent Devolution Deal and accusing the MP of spreading confusion and fear among residents.
It was last week that the Isle of Wight MP accused Cllr Jordan of making ‘deeply misleading’ statements regarding the proposed creation of a regional Mayor for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as reported by Island Echo.
In a detailed letter dated Thursday (19th September), Councillor Jordan challenges several points made by the Isle of Wight East MP, including assertions about council tax, planning powers, voting rights, and the scale of financial benefits tied to the proposed deal.
Cllr Jordan reiterated that the Isle of Wight does not have a choice on whether devolution will happen, stating that the Government has committed to implementing devolution across the country. However, he said the Council does have some influence over the timing and terms of the agreement, which he argues makes early engagement vital.
Addressing the claim that the Council has already endorsed the deal, Cllr Jordan stated that while a final decision is yet to be made by councillors, it is entirely appropriate to publicly outline the potential benefits identified in Government documents and during negotiations.
He also sought to clarify concerns about the ability of a new regional Mayor to impose taxes. While confirming that Mayors do hold a legal power to introduce a council tax precept, he said this is optional, rarely used in practice, and subject to oversight and governance procedures.
Regarding strategic planning powers, Cllr Jordan described Mr Robertson’s interpretation as “oversimplified”, explaining that any regional spatial strategies would require high levels of agreement from constituent councils and would not override local planning decisions without consent.
The Council Leader also rejected the idea that the Isle of Wight would be “powerless” within a Combined Authority structure, stating that each member authority would hold equal voting rights. He pointed to examples from across the country where smaller regions have used their voice effectively to secure targeted investment.
Turning to financial concerns, Cllr Jordan defended the proposed £44.6million annual investment fund, calling it a foundation for long-term strategic growth. He said this funding, combined with local control, could unlock even greater public and private investment – citing success stories in Greater Manchester and Tees Valley.
Cllr Jordan adds:
“It is important that residents understand fully the issues and facts of Devolution. There are many myths and misunderstandings being perpetuated and residents become confused and frightened about what Devolution is, and what it isn’t.
“Government have decided that Devolution will happen across the country. We have no choice in that. Where we do have a choice is the timing of the start date and being at the table of negotiations to try to get the very best deal we can from Government for our Island.
“There are huge benefits to be had as other areas already operating under devolution demonstrate. It is not a threat to our Island, it is a great opportunity and will lead to huge strategic investment across the Solent and the Isle of Wight for the next 30 years. The Island will be a significant beneficiary of that investment and very much part of the decision making investment process.”
The matter is expected to be debated in full at the Isle of Wight Council meeting on Tuesday (1st October).
Councillor Phil Jordan looks to be convinced that devolution is a good idea? However, the rest of us still remain to be convinced.
There is an awful lot that can still go wrong with this plan and given past experience, it seems its always the Island that suffers with the mainland actually getting the lions share of any new money.
This is potentially a very big and long lasting change for Islanders and it is they who should have the final say about it via a referendum!
Totally agree
I would venture to suggest that the reason there is so much misunderstanding is that local politicians have not done much to set out a clear balanced explanaion of the alternatives. Everyone seems so bent on pushing their own preferences and criticising everyone else that no politician is ginving the man in the street a second thought.
Devolution is the way forward, the government have a
plan countrywide so that is it, people won’t get a
choice, that’s politics for you.
Born & bred Islander but with the current leader I’m glad I don’t live there anymore. They are more akin to the clowns in dormant Stormont.
Phil Jordan supreme liar. Give it up Phil, everyone knows what you are like. The only thing you are interested in is saving your skin, sod the island. Your ranting and finger wagging will be history soon, and the staff that work for you will feel a lot less stressed once you are gone.
Agree