The Isle of Wight Council has voted against proposals to move rapidly ahead with controversial Labour Government devolution plans this evening (Wednesday).
County Hall’s Full Council decided not to endorse an amendment proposal put forward by Councillor Geoff Brodie, representative for Pan and Barton, on the English Devolution White Paper.
He had suggested making a joint submission with other South Coast local authorities to be included in the Government’s fast-track devolution programme.
He was also seeking to defend and help the Government understand the geography and historic status of the Isle of Wight’s local authorities since 1890, including its current unitary authority.
Cllr Brodie’s amendment proposal replaced initial recommendations proposed in a report presented to Full Council.
Further points were asking the Isle of Wight Cabinet not to seek a 12-month postponement to Island elections unless this delays being included on the fast-track programme, including town, parish and community council elections in a postponement and expressing disappointment to the Government over its requirement of a response to the White Paper within 16 working days.
A postponement of Isle of Wight elections due to be held in May 2025 would be to ‘enable the devolution programme to proceed at pace’, a Cabinet report said.
Devolution refers to the transfer or delegation of power from central government to local or regional administrations.
The government has described its White Paper as initiating the ‘biggest transfer of power out of Westminster to England’s regions this century’. Its proposals include ‘delivering deeper powers for more areas’ with new regional Strategy Authorities and mayors across England.
Labour also expects local authorities to put forward reorganisation proposals including replacing two-tier local government structures, county and district councils, with unitary authorities, increasing the size and scale of existing unitary authorities where there is evidence of failure or hindered service delivery and new unitary authorities having a population of at least 500,000, with some exceptions.
The White Paper has been met with considerable disquiet among Island politicians with Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors airing their concerns this week.
Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley said the White Paper presented opportunities for local government across the country, including the Island:
“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.”
Any news on the Ferries Dick?, it’s been over
100 days.
Hate this council hate this miserable shit hole country
Apart from one or two,this lot need putting in care homes!
Well well there’s a surprise, did we expect anything else from Jerk Jordans Far Right Clique, yes I am using far right again, sorry, freedom of speech still exists at the moment until Heir Starmer finally squashes all freedoms. GET RID OF COUNTY HALL. They must be quivering in there expensive boots having to see all there philandering ways exposed at last, Jordan, Bacon all your porky lies will soon come to light. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Don’t think for one moment that having a unitary authority that covers, say, the Isle of Wight, Southampton and the New Forest wil save lots of money from removing duplication. I remember very clearly that argument being run when Bourneouth, Poole and Christchurch became on authority. Everyone thought there would be one Mayor instead of three but here we are years later and there are still three Mayors, one for each town, with all the accompanying cost that goes with it. It is for this reason that this is not something that should be rushed and got wrong. We will be stuck with the outcome so better to take a bit longer nd end up with the right structure which gives the greatest efficiency and does not become a post code lottery.
Oh well, like most councils they look after themselves but not the public, what about the ferries
Doesn’t matter who is running the show
it never gets better for the public, our
Council tax increases every year to fund their
excessive pensions.
This vote was quite predictable. Turkeys generally do not vote for Christmas. Just looking at the council buildings in Newport tells you all you need to know about the IoW council. Dilapidated and stuck in the 1960s.
It all needs a good shake up, and what better for the islanders than a new unitary authority operating out of Southampton?
Look at that lot. All the fat cats. Cut that lot in half for a start. Why are we funding so many useless councillors. Jordan needs to be the first to go.
They only have their own interests, salaries and pensions at heart not that of the public. What a waste of space, time and money.
Power corrupts more power more corruption
So just heard the news that this lousy low down council have decided to go ahead with the government plan. Well done . Shown your true colours. So what happens to the isle of Wight now ?
I’m alright Jack. You’ve still time to top up your wallets and pensions for the next 12 months. Your more than a disgrace. I would say more but I’ll probably get banned.
Scum of humanity.