Phil Jordan, Leader of Isle of Wight Council, shares this latest news. Ed
Our Island. Our Voice. Our Future.
The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed the major benefits of joining the proposed Solent devolution deal, describing it as a “transformational opportunity” to secure long-term investment, more local decision-making, and a stronger voice for Island residents.
Under the government’s confirmed agreement, the Solent Combined Authority—including the Isle of Wight, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Hampshire—would receive £44.6 million every year for 30 years, totalling £1.4 billion, plus £4 million in setup funding. This is the second largest devolution funding package in the country and will directly support improvements in transport, housing, skills, and regeneration.
Councillor Phil Jordan, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said:
“This is money and decision-making power that would otherwise stay in Westminster. Devolution means we bring those powers closer to home—giving us a direct say in how strategic funding is spent, ensuring the Island’s unique needs are at the heart of regional investment decisions.”
In a series of information sharing pieces, clarification of some common misunderstandings is being made, starting with:
Busting the Myths About Devolution
- MYTH: The mayor will control everything.
FACT: The Mayor cannot act alone. Every big decision – budgets, investments, transport plans – must be agreed by the Combined Authority Board, where the Isle of Wight Leader has an equal vote.
- MYTH: The Isle of Wight will lose powers.
FACT: Isle of Wight Council keeps control of housing, social care, education, planning, and local tax and it continues delivering current services. Devolution is strategic and only adds extra money and regional powers. It does not replace the Isle of Wight Council.
- MYTH: It means higher council tax.
FACT: Local tax remains totally under IWC control, not the Board or mayor. Only four out of sixteen devolution areas have introduced a modest mayoral precept. The Solent deal does not require one.
- MYTH: Devolution is new or untested.
FACT: Areas like Greater Manchester, Tees Valley, and West Midlands have already secured billions in extra funding through devolution.
- MYTH: The Isle of Wight will not benefit.
FACT: The Solent deal secures £44.6m every year for 30 years (over £1.4bn), plus £4m setup funding—with Island priorities built in. The Island will get its equal share of this investment funding. Investments are not based upon population, per capita, criteria. Strategic investments will span the whole devolution area, including the Island.
- MYTH: We can get this money later.
FACT: No. Funding is only for devolved areas. If the Island opts out, the deal collapses and money goes elsewhere.
- MYTH: Devolution takes away our local identity.
FACT: The Isle of Wight stays a unitary authority, with its own council, services, and priorities. The Isle of Wight remains the Isle of Wight.
- MYTH: Decisions will be made in London.
FACT: Devolution means less power in Westminster and more power locally – with Solent area leaders shaping investment.
- MYTH: It will not change anything.
FACT: Devolved regions are first in line for transport funds, housing regeneration, and skills programmes. There are substantial additional grants for devolution areas. Without the deal, the Island must compete nationally with no guarantee of success.
- MYTH: The Island’s voice will not be heard.
FACT: The deal guarantees the Isle of Wight a permanent seat and equal vote on the Combined Authority Board – ensuring our unique geography and needs are always considered and incorporated. The combined authority will have strategic responsibility for the whole Solent region, not just part of it.
Jordan: It is about making sure the Isle of Wight does not get left behind
Councillor Phil Jordan, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council continued,
“Devolution is about bringing money and decision-making closer to home. It secures long-term funding, protects local powers, and gives the Isle of Wight a stronger voice for the future. It is about making sure the Isle of Wight does not get left behind.
“It is about bringing money and decision-making away from Westminster, improving transport and links, investing in housing and brownfield sites, it brings better skills and education opportunities with more local control over funding. It will provide a stronger Island voice in Whitehall.
“Government is going to implement Devolution across the Country. Our choice is whether we are in the priority programme and accessing the benefits sooner, starting next May, rather than later, when Devolution will happen to us anyway.”
