The decision by Angela Rayner to halt controversial local government reorganisation (LGR) plans has no impact on the Isle of Wight, the council leader has said.
Jonathan Bacon said suggesting otherwise would be scaremongering for political reasons.
The Isle of Wight’s position as a standalone unitary authority is ‘plainly recognised and accepted’, the independent councillor said.
Councillor Bacon has spoken out after the government’s withdrawal of a decision to approve plans for a major restructure of Hampshire’s councils this week.
Explainer: Devolution vs Local Government Reorganisation – what’s the difference?
Government ministers launched a review of the LGR agenda for the region following new legal advice.
The plan involved four new larger councils, with Southampton merging with Eastleigh as well as parts of Test Valley and the New Forest.
Remaining parts of the New Forest and Test Valley would have joined with most of Winchester and East Hampshire.
Portsmouth was expected to merge with Fareham, Gosport, Havant and outstanding areas of Winchester and East Hampshire, with Basingstoke joined to Hart and Rushmoor.
County Hall’s leader said,
“The decision has no impact on the Isle of Wight nor, of course, the Combined Authority. While a review of the position in Hampshire is to take place the position of the Isle of Wight as an independent unitary authority is plainly recognised and accepted as well as being supported by our neighbour authorities.
“I suspect some will try to ‘stir the pot’ and suggest otherwise but this will just be scaremongering for political reasons which has no foundation.”
The Hampshire and Solent Combined County Authority is a new regional tier of government backed by a £1.3 billion devolution deal.
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
