The Isle of Wight council is pushing for an exception to government reorganisation plans, aiming to retain its current structure despite proposals to create larger unitary authorities.
Councillors will soon review an interim report that outlines the progress of local government changes across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Local authorities collaborate on report
The draft report has been developed collectively by the 15 unitary and district councils in the region. It establishes guiding principles for the next phase of discussions, focusing on financial sustainability, regional identity, and public engagement.
A key aim of the report is to secure early confirmation from ministers that the Isle of Wight can remain a separate unitary authority due to its distinct circumstances.
If councillors approve the report, it will be submitted to the government on 21st March. Further collaboration between councils in Hampshire and the Solent area will continue in the coming months to refine final proposals.
Government strategy and the Island’s position
The government’s plan seeks to create unitary councils serving populations of at least 500,000.
With the Isle of Wight’s population projected to reach 148,000 by 2028, local leaders argue that its geographic and economic challenges justify an exception.
Council leader makes the case for exemption
Council leader, Phil Jordan, stated that while the council remains open to sharing some services, the Island’s distinct circumstances must be recognised.
“The submission, drafted in agreement with all local authorities in the Hampshire and Solent area, makes it clear that the Isle of Wight should remain exactly as is, in structure and size.”
He pointed out that the Solent naturally separates the Isle of Wight from the Mainland, making service provision more expensive and limiting economies of scale.
“The cost of delivering services here is inherently higher due to our isolation and detachment from the Mainland which, in turn, produces a smaller market size for service delivery.
“We believe these factors make a strong case for the Isle of Wight to be treated as an exception.”
He also highlighted the Island’s strong sense of local identity, which does not align with Mainland communities.
“Our submission will ensure that we present to Government our exceptional circumstances and the firm case that we remain consistent and unchanged in our services delivery on the Island, for the Island and by the Island.”
Next steps in decision-making
Full Council will assess the report on Wednesday, 19th March, with Cabinet set to make a final decision the following day.
Later this year, a final proposal for local government reorganisation in Hampshire and the Solent area will be developed, incorporating public and stakeholder input before submission to the government.
