The Government has refused to confirm that the Isle of Wight Council will remain independent of the mainland under devolution – with officials being told to simply wait and see.
Earlier this month Council Leader Phil Jordan raised concerns with the Government about the Island’s unique geography in relation to Labour’s criteria to have unitary authorities with a population of 500,000 – around 3.5x greater than the population of the Isle of Wight.
Jim McMahon, Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, has now responded to Councillor Jordan thanking the Isle of Wight Council for supporting Labour’s commitment to creating ‘simpler, more sustainable’ local government structures.
But Mr McMahon has not confirmed that the Isle of Wight will be seen as a special case. Instead, the Minister has simply said the Government will ‘consider proposals carefully’ and that decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
The Minister has also said that local authorities should be engaging with residents and local MPs in working through the options, developing robust and
sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of the whole area.
Joe Robertson, MP for Isle of Wight East, has been very vocal about devolution and the impact it could have on the future of the Isle of Wight.
In response to this new letter from the Minister, Mr Robertson has told Island Echo:
“This letter confirms what I have been saying all along: we are in real danger of having our Isle of Wight Council merged with a part of Hampshire and a mainland-based Mayor imposed on us against our will.
Article continues below this advertisement “The Government is refusing to rule it out when given the opportunity to do so.
“I urge Phil Jordan to do as the Minister asks and engage with me as a local MP and listen to Islanders’ concerns. He should stop giving misleading assurances about devolution and the future security of our Council which he knows he is in no position to give”.
Then do as he says, and engage with residents first after all the options are presented. Not engage with MPs first THEN residents, as JR seems to be wanting to do.
Bring on devolution and build a Tunnel
F.F.S
Disastrous for the Island. What the hell does an overnor know about our special requirements?
Each area has a representative committee. Seriously, think. Or better still, read.
Overnors control the island, you don’t think
Caulkheads are calling the shots do you!
Wake up.
How many generations back are we investigating? You might like to do a DNA test, you could be in for a surprise.