The decision by Angela Rayner to halt controversial local government reorganisation (LGR) plans has no impact on the Isle of Wight, the council leader has said.
Jonathan Bacon said that suggesting otherwise would be scaremongering for political reasons. It comes after Joe Robertson raised concerns earlier this week.
The Isle of Wight’s position as a standalone unitary authority is ‘plainly recognised and accepted’, the independent councillor said.
Cllr Bacon has spoken out after the government’s withdrawal of a decision to approve plans for a major restructure of Hampshire’s councils this week.
Government ministers launched a review of the LGR agenda for the region following new legal advice.
The plan involved four new larger councils, with Southampton merging with Eastleigh as well as parts of Test Valley and the New Forest.
Remaining parts of the New Forest and Test Valley would have joined with most of Winchester and East Hampshire.
Portsmouth was expected to merge with Fareham, Gosport, Havant and outstanding areas of Winchester and East Hampshire, with Basingstoke joined to Hart and Rushmoor.
The County Hall’s leader said:
“The decision has no impact on the Isle of Wight nor, of course, the Combined Authority. While a review of the position in Hampshire is to take place the position of the Isle of Wight as an independent unitary authority is plainly recognised and accepted as well as being supported by our neighbour authorities.
“I suspect some will try to ‘stir the pot’ and suggest otherwise but this will just be scaremongering for political reasons which has no foundation.”
The Hampshire and Solent Combined County Authority is a new regional tier of government backed by a £1.3 billion devolution deal.
Oh no, that means we are stuck with the current useless numpties
WHO are STILL letting vehicles EVADE paying parking charges by
parking on the pavement outside the old tourist information centre opposite Sandown Pier INSIDE A PEDESTRIANISED ZONE
The island needs change.
It does, time you moved to the north island.
It is a tempting thought.
Oh John, change the bloody record please. There are far bigger things to be concerned about.
What is bigger than numpties evading parking charges inside
a pedestrianised zone WHILE OTHER VEHICLES ARE EXPECTED TO PAY TO PARK.
Maybe you agree with such criminality. I DON’T AND NEVER WILL!
The Council keep saying they are skint yet they allow
EVASION!
You’ve had change!! Remember the election in May 2026, when Reform won nearly half the council seats. Are you saying they’ve changed nothing ???
Goodness me. Exactly what I said days ago.