A councillor has lodged a motion seeking ‘categorical assurance’ from the government that the Isle of Wight Council remains a ‘stand-alone’ authority.
Councillor Michael Lilley’s proposal follows controversial Whitehall devolution plans, which were unveiled in December and are currently under consultation.
Councillor Lilley’s motion seeks to defend County Hall’s status as an independent unitary authority.
It will be voted on at County Hall’s full council meeting at 5pm tomorrow (Wednesday).
Speaking today, the Liberal Democrat representative for Ryde Appley and Elmfield said ‘recent correspondence’ from the Minister for Local Government to council leader Phil Jordan ‘strongly indicates’ the government sees the Isle of Wight Council as having a ‘strong exceptional case’ to remain independent.
Councillor Lilley’s motion reads,
“Isle of Wight Council resolves to celebrate 30 years as an independent unitary authority by seeking categorical assurance from the government that the council remains a recognised stand-alone unitary authority in light of the recent announcement on devolution and Isle of Wight being part of the priority programme for Hampshire and Solent area.”
He said,
“My motion is about remaining a unitary authority alongside a regional mayor. I believe this combination will enable the Isle of Wight Council to access the funding it needs and tackle key issues such as ferries, health, social housing and opportunities for young people.
“The final submission to government for a regional strategic authority is dependent on a full council vote.
“Being at the negotiating table from the onset enables the Isle of Wight to get the right deal for our community and preserve our unitary authority status.
“The Labour government has a huge majority and they will get their devolution plans through and the council missing this bus would be detrimental to our residents.”
How Whitehall’s devolution and local government reorganisation plans relate to the Isle of Wight has become one of the Island’s most high-profile political fault lines.
Brodie: The only solution is a merger with a mainland authority
Another motion to be voted on tomorrow ‘encourages’ County Hall’s leadership ‘not to rule out’ a merger with mainland authorities in reorganisation discussions with Hampshire and Solent partners.
Defending his proposal yesterday, Councillor Geoff Brodie said,
“The council’s finances are in a progressively worsening state. General reserves are falling, and adult social care costs are going through the roof.
“Without far more generous support from the government I would be surprised if the director of finance is not declaring what is in effect ‘bankruptcy’ within the next five years, with services further deteriorating or being cut entirely.
“The only solution is a merger with a mainland authority that has better business rates, less of a demand on adult social care services and which will help deliver economies of scale.”
Lilley: Councillor Brodie’s suggestion is a non-starter a
Responding to Councillor Brodie’s motion, Councillor Lilley said,
“I think Councillor Brodie’s suggestion is a non-starter and would be a confusing unnecessary distraction. The council is a long way down negotiations on the premise we are a unitary authority and simply suggesting something at this stage which is different, would I believe be damaging.
“The council has budget issues, the same as most other local authorities and I believe regional devolution will be of benefit.
“Merging with another authority would in my view be unachievable due to economic realities of the Solent.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
