The office of Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Andrew Turner issued a press release earlier today, in which he accused the leader of the Isle of Wight council of “repeatedly changing his position” and suggesting he needed to “stand up to the Government” over the subject of Solent Devolution.
Government promises have come to nothing
Leader of the Island Independents Group, Jonathan Bacon, has this afternoon hit back, saying,
“Part of the reason we are in the current financial position we are is because Andrew Turner and his colleagues in Parliament voted through a financial settlement earlier this year which gave the Isle of Wight nothing.
“Statements at that time that help would come forward have come to nothing and the message from Government since that time is that there is nothing on the table other than devolution.
“I’m glad to see that Mr Turner now appears to be supportive of devolution. This was previously unclear, but I am now unclear as to why he raising some of the apparent concerns outlined in his press release.
“The recent consultation has to be reviewed and scrutinised by the Government before they can take a combined authority forward. The devolution ‘offer’ has clearly been set out for some time and was reconfirmed yesterday by the Local Government Minister.”
No deal with Hampshire
Andrew Turner hinted at the suggestion of a deal between the Isle of Wight and Hampshire County Council.
OnTheWight has seen responses from leaders of several Hampshire district councils today, where they make clear they feel there is no viable alternative Hampshire and Isle of Wight Devolution Deal.
Cllr Bacon explained,
“It is abundantly clear that no other devolution offer exists or is on the horizon.
“Hampshire District Council Leaders have made this clear in recent communications stating variously that there is ‘no prospect’ of the suggested Hampshire and Isle of Wight Devolution deal or at the very least it is ‘highly unlikely’.”
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight council confirmed today,
“The government has not at any time offered a devolution deal for a Hampshire and Isle of Wight footprint and one is not under negotiation.”
Southampton and Portsmouth support
Cllr Bacon confirmed support from Southampton and Portsmouth council leaders. He said,
“I have also today received a letter from the Leaders of Portsmouth and Southampton Councils in which they state that,
“In terms of the priorities for the allocation of the £30m per year, we recognise that one priority in its own right is the need to raise the economic output of the Island’s economy and support the sustainability of the Island’s financial position.”
Staying at the table
Cllr Bacon finished by saying,
“The accusation has been levelled at me that I should ‘stand up to the Government and defend the Island’s position’. I cannot see how the Island’s position is defended by rejecting the only offer of assistance that currently exists.
“Staying at the Table where we know there is the chance of money and help and that we can play a key part in driving forward is surely the best thing to do.”
