Cabinet supports expression of interest in potential devolution deal

The Isle of Wight Council's Cabinet has taken a significant step towards exploring devolution options in collaboration with neighbouring local authorities.

It could mean the creation of a mayoral combined authority that moves power and money from Whitehall to the local area.

The new authority would complement, not replace, the Isle of Wight Council, enabling local councils in the Solent and Hampshire area to work together on strategic, region-wide issues.

Areas that are moving, or intending to move, to devolution can apply to government to be treated as a fast track, special case that will be dealt with ahead of those other areas not applying for priority status.

Following the Cabinet's decision last night, a joint expression of interest in joining the priority programme for devolution is set to be submitted today (Friday), meeting the tight deadline imposed by government.

This move follows similar agreements by Portsmouth city and Southampton city councils earlier this week. Hampshire County Council's Cabinet is due to consider the plans this morning.

The councils should know by the end of the month if their bid to be included on the priority programme has been successful.

The joint bid could involve the cancellation of the Island's local elections in May 2025 while the new strategic authority is set up.

Councillor Phil Jordan, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, emphasised the importance of being proactive in the devolution process to secure the best deal for Island residents. He said the aim was clear — to maintain and strengthen the Isle of Wight Council.

"Devolution would create a strategic authority with powers and direct funding from the government, bringing power closer to communities. This could unlock significant funding for economic growth and investment, potentially available as early as next year," he said.

"It is envisaged that no decisions of the combined authority will be made without unanimous vote of the leaders of the combined councils and mayor.

"We would also seek to ensure there is no veto over votes by the combined councils’ members, ensuring all combined authority votes are equal and all decisions, issues, projects, schemes and investments are agreed by all members of the combined authority.

"I firmly believe we must seize this opportunity and make sure the Isle of Wight has a strong voice in these crucial negotiations at the earliest opportunity."

Typically devolved powers and funding are for things like major transport infrastructure, health, regeneration and education, skills and employment initiatives, fostering economic development in the region.

Ferry links could also transfer to the new strategic authority, a key issue already agreed with partnering councils, Councillor Jordan said.

He also highlighted the government's stance against "white areas" — regions not included in any devolution arrangements — and the risk of forced inclusion if the Island does not actively participate in the process.

Not a done deal

Councillor Jordan clarified that the Cabinet's decision does not commit the Isle of Wight to any specific proposal.

Should the government accept the Isle of Wight into the priority programme, a public consultation will be held in the spring to gather residents' views.

Any devolution deal would then undergo scrutiny and approval by councillors. If agreed upon, the election of a mayor would take place in May 2026.

Addressing concerns about potential amalgamation with mainland authorities, Councillor Jordan reassured residents, stating: "Devolution is not amalgamation. It is about forming a strategic partnership with our nearest neighbours for additional powers and substantial grant funding from Westminster.

"There have been no discussions about merging with any other council."

Local Elections in May 2025

To facilitate devolution, the Minister has indicated a willingness to seek Parliamentary approval to postpone local council elections from May 2025 to May 2026. This postponement aims to prevent any delays in the devolution process.

If the Island is accepted onto the priority programme, the Cabinet has agreed to request the deferment of the local elections until next year, extending this delay to include town, parish, and community councils which are also due to take place in May 2025.

The decision, however, rests with the government, not the Isle of Wight Council.

Local Government Reorganisation

Running alongside devolution, the government is planning local government reorganisation. This is a separate process to devolution with its own timescales and concerns reforming local council into unitary authorities with populations of around 500,000 or more.

For some areas of the country, this will mean that district and borough councils are likely to disappear and be integrated into the new unitary authorities.

However, the government has also indicated there may be exceptions, allowing smaller councils, such as the Isle of Wight with a population of around 140,000, to exist in exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Councillor Jordan said: "We will argue very strongly for maintaining the Island's status quo as an existing unitary authority and seek to defend and help government to understand the particular geography and historic status of the Isle of Wight’s self-governing local authorities since 1890.

"I believe the Solent is a good reason we can convince government that this Island is an exception. There are also lots of other reasons we can build into that case, including the cost of delivering services here."

Finally, Councillor Jordan expressed frustration with the timing of the devolution announcement with responses to the government's White Paper required within 16 working days, interspersed over the Christmas and New Year period.

"We are in this position because the government has decided to deliver devolution at a rapid pace," he added.

"Since government has made it unquestionably clear that devolution across the country is happening, it makes far more sense to start devolution now under the priority process, giving us the maximum time to talk and negotiate with central government.”