Isle of Wight Council 'should remain independent'

‘Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong’, a final ‘bold and unified’ proposal for reorganising local government across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has been published by local authorities across the region today.

They include the Isle of Wight Council, Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council, Winchester City Council and New Forest District Council.

The 206-page document recommends a model of five unitary authorities: four new councils on the mainland, replacing 14 existing ones, and the Isle of Wight keeping its current position.

In December last year, the government announced far-reaching plans to shake up local government across England.

They include two distinct but related policy packages: moving powers and funding from Whitehall to England’s regions by creating Strategic Authorities with elected Mayors and ending the two-tier system of county and district local councils with new unitary authorities covering populations of at least 500,000.

In February, Jim McMahon, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, invited LGR proposals from Hampshire and Solent councils.

Set to be considered by Isle of Wight councillors at a full council meeting on September 17, today’s proposal aims to simplify local structures, improve coordination of services and deliver estimated annual savings of at least £63.9 million.

Section five makes the case for the Island’s current position: “With a track record of financial sustainability and effective service delivery, the Isle of Wight Council has operated successfully as a unitary council since 1995.

“The Island’s unique geography, accessible only by ferry, creates distinct logistical and service delivery challenges that are best addressed through a locally focused model.

“Being an independent authority has enabled tailored responses to challenges, demographic pressures and environmental priorities while protecting the Island’s local identity.

“Maintaining the Isle of Wight as an independent or unitary authority will ensure it continues to respond to local needs while standing alongside new the mainland unitary councils through an enhanced partnership.”

The 12 councils made a joint statement: “Unlike other proposals, we believe our approach means the best of both worlds: councils that are big enough to deliver major services and be financially sustainable, but local enough to understand communities so they can tailor services more closely to their needs.

“This is a comprehensive and evidence-based proposal that offers a bold vision for the future of local government in our region, ensuring every voice is heard and every service delivers real value.

“Covering the population of around two million people in mainland Hampshire, four new unitary councils would provide the scale of efficiency the government wants whilst still being connected to the communities they serve.

“The Isle of Wight’s continued independence is essential, given its unique geography and infrastructure needs.

“However, the proposal ensures integration and collaboration where beneficial, enabling shared innovation and transformation across the region.”

The government’s submission deadline for LGR proposals is September 26.