Angela Rayner, the deputy Prime Minster, announced in Parliament today (Wednesday) that the Isle of Wight council elections would be postponed from 2025 to 2026.
This announcement comes as the council have been informed that they have been accepted on the Priority Programme for early devolution discussions.
The council say,
The Isle of Wight Council, alongside Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, and Southampton City Council, received confirmation today (Wednesday) that their joint expression of interest in the government’s devolution priority programme has been accepted.
This acceptance marks a pivotal step towards the creation of a new mayoral strategic authority, aiming to transfer power and funding from Whitehall to the Solent and Hampshire region while enabling local councils to collaborate on strategic, region-wide issues.
The mayoral strategic authority will not replace local councils, but rather work closely with local authorities in the region to develop and deliver their plans with most of its focus on responsibilities which are currently held by Whitehall.
The IWC adds,
As part of devolution proposals, a mayor would, subject to agreement and approval, be elected in the spring of 2026 to head up the new strategic combined authority. The mayor would promote the interests of the wider region to central government with the aim of driving local economic growth.
The government is due to launch a public consultation in the spring to gather residents’ views on the plans. Any devolution deal would then undergo scrutiny and approval by Isle of Wight councillors.
To facilitate devolution, the government has agreed to defer this year’s Isle of Wight Council elections by 12 months. However, this postponement is contingent on the necessary legislative changes being laid down and approved. The government has not yet confirmed arrangements in relation to town, parish, and community council elections.
This decision will mean that town, parish and community council elections are likely to be postponed too.
Thanks to Ian for the heads up.
Article edit
2.40pm 5th Feb 2025 – info from council added
