Leader of Isle of Wight Council, Phil Jordan, shares this latest news. Ed
The Leader of the Isle of Wight Council has joined council leaders across Hampshire and the Solent to press Government for the early release of the full devolution investment funding, following the decision to delay Mayoral elections until 2028.
The request is clear, determined and practical: if elections are delayed, funding should not be.
Call for funding release
Together, the four council leaders have formally asked Ministers to release the full £44.6 million per year of devolution investment funding for 2026/27 and 2027/28, rather than the 40 per cent currently proposed.
That funding is essential to keep housing, regeneration and infrastructure projects moving at pace.
Infrastructure and gap funding needed
On the Isle of Wight alone, there are many new homes with planning permission that are ready to go, but cannot progress without infrastructure and gap funding.
Some of these homes are on council or public land, and help the support for affordable housing, reducing waiting lists and easing pressure on temporary accommodation.
Across the wider Hampshire and Solent area, the picture is just as strong:
- Over 18,000 homes are already approved or ready to be unlocked across the region.
- Major regeneration schemes in Portsmouth and Southampton are shovel-ready
- Strategic infrastructure schemes could accelerate thousands more homes of all description.
Jordan: It’s about momentum
Councillor Phil Jordan, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said,
“This isn’t about politics or structures – it’s about momentum.
“Homes that are ready to be built, jobs that could be created, and communities that are waiting for investment should not be put on hold because of a change to the mayoral election timetable.”
A strong track record of delivery
The leaders have made clear that local government in the region has a strong track record of delivery, pointing to major schemes such as the £100 million M27 Junction 10 project, delivered through effective partnership working and already unlocking thousands of new homes.
Releasing the full funding now would allow councils to:
- Accelerate affordable, social and council housebuilding
- Invest in roads, utilities and public spaces
- Support local jobs, skills and apprenticeships
- Reduce pressure on NHS services through better housing supply
The request is fully aligned with the Government’s national ambition to build 1.5 million homes by 2029 and is backed by a clear, evidenced pipeline of deliverable projects.
Jordan: Ready to deliver our part of the devolution journey
Councillor Jordan added,
“The Isle of Wight is ready to deliver our part of the devolution journey. We have the land, approvals, the plans and the partnerships in place. We have many, many planning applications already approved.
“We have transport projects and jobs and skills schemes in place. What we need is the ability to act. This funding would make a real, visible difference to Islanders’ lives.”
Discussions with Ministers and officials are ongoing and constructive. Council leaders remain united, focused and optimistic that a positive decision will allow investment to flow, transport schemes to be undertaken, homes to be built and opportunities to be unlocked – without delay.
