Concerns over the proposed Southern Powerhouse devolution plans have been raised following amendments made by the Government last week to the Devolution Bill.
Controversial amendments tabled by the Government were passed (full details below) , which could enable the Secretary of State to:
- Impose a combined authority on an area, even in circumstances where not all of the local authorities involved consent;
- Agree to county councils and district councils being able to join or form combined authorities without the consent of the other;
- Transfer transport and economic growth powers from a county council to a district council – for the purposes of putting those powers in a combined authority which the district consents to, but the county does not.
Programme lead: “An unnecessary distraction”
At the moment, the Isle of Wight council are simply taking part in the discussions and have not committed to go ahead with any devolution plans. If eventually the council vote to not be included, it looks as though the amendment to the bill could give the Government the power to force their hand.
The programme lead on the devolution plans believes the “amendments are an unnecessary distraction”, but one Isle of Wight councillor does not share that view.
Lumley: “Government likes to interfere”
Labour councillor Geoff Lumley last week wrote to all Isle of Wight councillors.
Speaking of the Programme Lead, he said,
“It may be the author’s view that these are an unnecessary distraction, but we have seen how Government likes to interfere in things (like our relationships with our recognised trade unions) despite their alleged support for locally determined powers.”
IWC: Last minute changes ‘disappointing’
OnTheWight sought the view of leader of the Isle of Wight council, Jonathan Bacon.
He told OnTheWight,
“The proposals are not surprising given the government’s enthusiasm for devolution but it is disappointing that it has felt the need to make these last minute changes.
“Our focus remains negotiating the best possible deal for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on terms agreed locally with our partners which specifically support the Isle of Wight.
“This becomes doubly important now as a negotiated deal which we have a strong hand in can only offer better options for the Isle of Wight than something imposed nationally.”
The amendments
The document sent to Hampshire and Isle of Wight partners can be seen below. Click on the full screen icon to see larger version.
Image: twentysevenphotos under CC BY 2.0
