In an unprecedented event, the Isle of Wight Council welcomed the Minister for Devolution, Miatta Fahnbulleh, for a unique and extraordinary meeting with senior councillors this week.
Richard Quigley MP and Council Leader Phil Jordan secured the attendance of the Minister following a private meeting with her.
The session provided the opportunity for certain Island councillors to raise detailed queries about the proposed Solent devolution deal and hear first-hand how it could benefit the Isle of Wight both now and for generations to come.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Jordan said:
“This was an extraordinary and invaluable opportunity to speak directly with the Minister for Devolution and ensure that the Island’s unique needs are properly understood at the highest level.
“Devolution gives the Isle of Wight a seat at the table, equal to our mainland partners, empowering us to secure investment, create jobs, improve services, and shape our own future. This is about more than numbers – it’s about opportunity, connectivity, and making decisions locally to protect and grow our Island for generations to come.
“I want to thank the Minister for agreeing with me to speak to our Council. It indicates just how seriously the Government regards our Island”.
During the meeting, the Minister clearly set out the significant investment opportunities that devolution brings, including the £44.6million annual funding package guaranteed for 30 years. She also highlighted the flexibility and local control that comes with devolution, enabling the Island to shape its own future in areas such as transport, housing, skills, and economic regeneration.
The Minister has made it clear previously that Island funding and ferries are very much on the table for discussions in addition to Devolution arrangements.
The Isle of Wight Council is part of the Priority Programme for Devolution; 1 of 6 areas of the country selected for this opportunity.
The Council will have a vote on continuing the priority programme at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Council on 1st October, starting at 19:00.
“The Minister has made it clear previously that Island funding and ferries are very much on the table for discussions in addition to Devolution arrangements.”
Except it isn’t, as only recently it was reported that ferries would not come under the purview of a ‘Solent Mayor’ its even less likely anyone on the Island would get powers over the ferries?
Who knows what to believe these days from this government?
And that’s the problem, the process has been marred by false statements and by the fact that this government wants us to sign up to something when they keep changing the detail and intend to do so after we have signed. Who in their right mind would go along with that? If devolution is as good for the Island as the government says why have found it necessary to tell us that if we don’t agree they will try to pass legislation that will for force us?
Knowing this council they would waste all the money on another useless floating bridge
Devolution is happening, people won’t get a choice
that’s democracy for you NOT!
I would urge people to keep an open mind and not write this meeting off before it has even taken place. It is a valauble opportunity which I hope will be approached positively. It is really important that that the councillors who atteend keep the needs of the Island to the fore and not use the meeting as an opportunity to indulge in political point -scoring
Quigley actually doing something. BUT it is what we don’t want, Ask Joe Robertson. We are the IOW and want NO linking and ruling from the mainland. We had a lot of that in years gone by when we were classed as part of Hampshire. LABOUR aren’t going to be around for long. WE HOPE.