Island Echo always welcomes letters to the editor, which may of course not reflect the views of the publication and its staff.
Letter to the editor – 13th January 2024
“As a 17-year-old, passionate about the future of the Isle of Wight, I believe the Labour government’s proposal to merge our Island with Hampshire under a mainland-based mayor raises serious concerns that cannot be ignored. While the idea of shared governance and new investment might sound appealing at first glance, a closer look reveals the potential risks to the Isle of Wight’s unique identity and autonomy.
Where Is the Promised Money Coming From?
“Firstly, where is this funding coming from? Is it genuinely new investment, or is it simply a repackaging of money from grant-making bodies that have already supported projects like the £10 million for Ryde Interchange, £28 million for Island Line, and £10 million for the junction on the Cowes approach to Newport? Without clarity, we risk signing up for a devolution deal that delivers no additional benefits for the Island.
Unfair Representation and Rising Costs
“The Isle of Wight, with its population of approximately 142,000, will form a small fraction of the combined authority’s population compared to Hampshire’s approx. 1.8million. It’s hard to believe that a mayor based in Hampshire will prioritise our Island’s unique needs when we’re such a small part of the picture. The reality is likely to be a proportional share of funding at best—hardly worth ceding our decision-making powers to a mainland authority.
“Adding to this, let’s not forget the cost. We already pay a levy to the Police and Crime Commissioner as part of our council tax. Introducing a mayor could result in yet another increase, further burdening Islanders who are already struggling with the rising cost of living. Paying more for a governance structure that diminishes our control and provides questionable returns simply doesn’t add up.
Local Leadership Divided and a Democratic Deficit
“Lastly, it’s worth noting the decision made by the Isle of Wight Council regarding the ‘Special Priority Programme’. While the Full Council sensibly voted against rushing into the devolution plans, the Alliance Cabinet, led by the pious Phil Jordan, has inexplicably chosen to support it. This divide highlights not only a concerning lack of alignment within our local leadership but also raises serious concerns about the democratic legitimacy of this decision, with the Alliance Cabinet going against the Full Council Meeting’s vote last week.
“This proposal contrasts with the efforts of Bob Seely, the Island’s former MP, and Joe Robertson, the current MP for Isle of Wight East, both of whom have raised concerns about the Special Priority Programme and devolution as a whole, most notably raising the vague benefits of a mayor, as well as the centralisation of decision making – questions that were raised in an open letter from Joe to Phil Jordan on the 9th January. Meanwhile, it was notable that Richard Quigley was absent from the Full Council Meeting on 8th January 2025, leaving the people of Cowes North without representation at this important discussion. His absence at such a pivotal moment raises questions about his engagement with this issue, and the constituency of Isle of Wight West as a whole.”
Islanders Deserve Better
“While devolution could offer opportunities and certainly enhance local powers so Islanders could have more control over what happens in their community, it must be tailored to genuinely benefit the Isle of Wight and not be rushed by the Labour government. Handing over powers to a mainland-based mayor, backed by vague promises of funding and the likelihood of higher taxes, does not seem to meet that test. Islanders deserve better.
“We must remain vigilant and continue to advocate for governance that reflects our community’s unique needs and aspirations, Angela Rayner’s ‘English Devolution White Paper’ fails to deliver on this promise, as it overlooks the simple reality that not every community operates like London.”
Oliver K
Isle of Wight
Your 17-year old correspondent may appear to have a bias to the right of the political spectrum, but notwithstanding that, the points he makes are totally valid. Why would the Isle of Wight wish to cede decision-making powers to a mainland authority who would have little or no interest in an off-shore island, whose percentage of the total population of such a devolved authority would be just a minimal embarrassment.
For the Island to progress devolution is the only way.
What does IW Council do for the people of the island!!
Let me tell you what they do for us.
They charge the most expense green waste charges in the country.
They charge one of the most expensive Council taxes in the country.
They charge motorists 24/7 364 days a year parking charges
(£2 a night)
Not to mention having to pay 50p to use toilets in Sandown.
ALSO WHERE ELSE IN THE COUNTRY ARE THERE “”NO””
SPEED CAMERA’S TO STOP IDIOTS SPEEDING.
We need a mainland leader who could teach IDIOTS
right from wrong, something Caulkheads DON’T UNDERSTAND!
Stop think and think again do you really want to be come a suburb of Portsmouth and Southampton be careful what you wish for we are what it says on the tin an Island lets keep it that way
Islanders don’t mind using Portsmouth and
Southampton Hospitals though.
Well said Oliver. Our council is a shambles.
Unfortunately, those who say the public weren’t consulted haven’t realised that they were consulted at the General Election! It is Labour policy to devolve government. It’s going to happen no matter what residents say. It’s better to get in first than wait for the dredges of a deal.
Correct