Joe Robertson MP has called on the new Minister for Local Government, Alison McGovern, to respect the Isle of Wight’s unique status and listen to Islanders in the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
The Isle of Wight East MP has written to the Minister following last night’s vote by local councillors, which did not reach an agreement to submit an option for local government reorganisation to the Government, as previously reported by Island Echo.
The deadline for submission is 26th September.
The Government is currently undertaking a shake-up of local councils in England and introducing new Combined Mayoral Authorities. The Isle of Wight joined a priority scheme last year at the written request of the Isle of Wight Council Leader, Phil Jordan.
Mr Robertson has stressed in his letter today that the Isle of Wight’s unique geography and community must be recognised, just as it was in 1995 when the Island became the first Unitary Authority in England, and again when Parliament legislated for 2 dedicated Isle of Wight constituencies to prevent a cross-Solent parliamentary seat.
In his letter, the MP goes on to urge the Minister to safeguard the Island’s position as a stand-alone unitary authority (the Isle of Wight Council) amid ongoing discussions on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Mr Robertson has highlighted that the overwhelming majority of Isle of Wight councillors expressed their wish for the Island to remain independent of Hampshire. He has said that the ‘failure of Council leadership’ led to the no option vote by Councillors because not all of the options were placed before them. He further criticises the quality of the Council papers.
Joe says that creating additional mainland authorities would dilute the Island’s vote on the Mayoral Board.
The East Wight MP has requested an urgent meeting with the Minister to ensure that Islanders are heard in both the LGR process and forthcoming devolution plans. He has also extended an invitation to the Minister to visit the Island to hear directly from the community.
