Joe Robertson MP has launched a survey to hear Islanders’ views about a proposed new Combined Authority and Mayor for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The Government wants to see Combined Authorities and Mayors in every area of England with powers and money devolved from Whitehall.
On 9th January, the Isle of Wight Council’s Alliance Cabinet voted in favour of joining the Government’s ‘priority’ scheme to negotiate for a shared mayor along with Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council – a move that has proven controversial.
Joe Robertson says he is sceptical that a mayor shared with Hampshire would be a good thing for the Island:
“Hampshire voters will make up 93 per cent of the Mayor’s electorate with just 7 per cent on the Island. Plainly, Hampshire is where the power will lie, and I do not see that Hampshire understands us any better than Whitehall.
“There is no certainty we will get any ‘new’ money either. The Mayor will get responsibilities for running some public services from Whitehall and that will come with money, but those public services will still need to be paid for.
“What we do know, however, is that the Mayor will be able to put their own extra charge on our council tax, meaning our council tax will likely go up to pay for this extra layer of local government.”
At the same time, a request has been made to the Government to delay the local elections due in May to allow negotiations for a mayor to take place first.
The East Wight MP says Island residents are being disenfranchised for no good reason and wants to hear their views:
“Whether you agree with a shared mayor or not, Island residents should get a say first.
“That is why I am launching my survey aimed at East Wight residents, whom I represent. I want to share your views about a mayor with the Council and Government.
“Please have your say by completing my survey at www.combinedmayor.co.uk/ or by writing to me at: 6, Palmerston Road, Shankln, PO37 6AU.”
You can have your say at https://combinedmayor.co.uk/.
In addition to this, Ventnor Resident David Allen has also launched a petition calling for the May elections to go ahead – https://www.change.org/p/save-our-vote-do-not-cancel-isle-of-wight-council-elections-on-1st-may-2025.
If having a mayor means there will finally be
Traffic Law on this Lawless island I am all
for it.
Speeding is rife Islandwide, the out of touch
IW Council think putting up a few signs
Eg 20mph will solve the problem
“WELL IT DOESN’T!”
Drive along Brading and Godshill High Street
and see for yourself.
Not to mention speeding that takes place
on a daily basis along Beachfield Road, Sandown,
Briddlesford Road, Military Road,
Great Preston Road, Ryde and Yaverland Road,
Sandown.
I could name more.
On the mayoral gravy train you can also put the police and crime commissioner combined salary’sv over £200,000 what a waste of money there laughing all the way to the bank
Not to mention Cllr Jordan and all his
unnesseccary baggage at County Hall.
Fat salaries and even fatter pensions, hence
our Council tax going up every year to pay for
their fat pensions.
Public sector employees pensions should be capped,
they are unsustainable!
His statement misleads deliberately! 7% is irrelevant as decisions are not made on a population basis. Our perhaps he doesn’t know what he’s talking about? You choose!
He doesn’t know what he’s talking about is my
guess.
If you think you won’t be paying more council tax to support a mayor you’re in for a shock.
Why is he still stirring the pot if it’s already been decided by vote? A Farage-esque attempt at populism without transparency perhaps? Can’t help but wonder what’s in it for him/them.