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Solent Devolution

Solent Devolution arose after the original idea for a Southern Powerhouse faded, following a division between North and South Hampshire.

Now made up of the Isle of Wight, Southampton City Council and Portsmouth City Council, the Solent Devolution vision is to bring the areas together in a hope to benefit from the ability to collect 100% business rates, in place of the regional settlement grants that are being withdrawn by central government.

After the Conservative councillors took control of the Isle of Wight council in January 2017, the Devolution deal was scrapped as the Conservatives said they “wanted nothing to do with Portsmouth and Southampton”.

25, October 2016·4 min read

Letter: Why we’re concerned about a possible Solent Devolution Deal

Conservative Isle of Wight councillor, Stuart Hutchinson, sets out why he (and colleagues) are concerned about the possible devolution deal with Southampton and Portsmouth.

24, October 2016·2 min read

Solent Devolution: Isle of Wight Executive vote to stay to hear Government offer (updated)

The Executive of the Isle of Wight council has decided to reject the outcome of last week's council vote - enabling them to stay at the Solent Devolution negotiation table so they can hear what deal might be on offer from the Government.

Reporting with mobile phone from meeting -:

24, October 2016·1 min read

Live coverage: Executive to consider Solent Devolution motion (Updated)

Although full council have voted against the motion, over 70 per cent of those responding to the public consultation voted in favour of moving power and funding to a combined authority. Tonight's Executive Committee will make their decision on the motion to explore the deal further.

24, October 2016·1 min read

Letter: Isle of Wight councillors ‘Get a grip please!’

Independent Councillor for the Redbridge ward of Southampton City Council, Andrew Pope, shares this open letter to the Executive ahead of tonight's decision in relation to the Solent Devolution.

24, October 2016·1 min read

Solent Devolution: Executive does not have a mandate say Conservative councillors

The Isle of Wight Conservative councillors, who appear to be in favour of devolution, but would prefer talks to escalate with Hampshire rather than Southampton and Portsmouth, urge the Executive to take note of the recommendation made by 17 members at last week's full council.

21, October 2016·2 min read

Solent Devolution: Clarifying what was voted down – and how it could be overruled (updated)

It struck me there was confusion about what the Solent Devolution vote was actually about this week – in and out of the Chamber. There’s also a chance that it might be overruled next week.

20, October 2016·11 min read

After devolution vote defeat Island may end up with nothing warns leader (updated)

Although the Isle of Wight council Executive could over-rule the decision at their meeting next week, leader of the council, Jonathan Bacon, warned that the deal being offered by the Government may now be withdrawn, leaving the Isle of Wight with nothing.

19, October 2016·1 min read

Live coverage of the October 2016 full council meeting: Inc Solent combined authority

Follow the discussions at tonight's full council meeting from the comfort of your office or sofa.

19, October 2016·2 min read

Council leader hits back at MP in Solent Devolution row

Promises of help for the Isle of Wight after the Island's MP voted for the cuts in funding earlier this year have come to nothing says Jonathan Bacon, who believes staying at the Devolution table where they know there is the chance of money is the best thing to do.

Andrew Turner at House of Commons - 11 Jan 2016

19, October 2016·3 min read

Council should not ‘Marry in Haste – Repent at Leisure’ says Isle of Wight MP

The Isle of Wight MP, Andrew Turner, says he's convinced that he can "negotiate a better deal than the one currently on the table - whether that be with the current Solent partners or perhaps with Hampshire".

17, October 2016·6 min read

Call for devolution ‘pre-nuptials’ is pointless if plans are blocked, says Leader of the Isle of Wight council

Cllr Bob Seely stated this week that 'pre-nuptials' are vital before entering into discussions about the Solent Devolution. The Leader of the council, Jonathan Bacon, has responded says if Full Council rejects the Combined Authority then the process is stopped in its tracks and they won’t even get to the 'pre-nuptial' stage.

12, October 2016·2 min read

Solent Devolution: Portsmouth Council approve application plans

Portsmouth City Council have approved the Solent Devolution application plans which go before the Isle of Wight council Executive on Thursday evening and the Full Council on the 19th October.

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