In a letter to Isle of Wight council leader this week, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Jim McMahon, explains that it is too early in the process of devolution and local government reorganisation to comment on individual proposals.
The Isle of Wight council was accepted on to the Priority Programme giving them a seat at the table to ensure early negotiations. Councillor Phil Jordan wrote to the Minister earlier this month setting out his concerns about the unique geography of the Isle of Wight in relation to the criteria the Government has set out for new unitary authorities – which states that new councils should aim for a population of 500,000 or more. In his letter Councillor Jordan stated,
“Retaining the Isle of Wight Council as the existing Unitary Authority is the only option that our council and community would support for LGR. This position is based on local engagement and the unique needs and identity of our Island community.”
As was reported by OnTheWight, Hampshire, Southampton, and Portsmouth councils have also written to the Government to support the Isle of Wight’s position as a standalone unitary authority.
“Decisions will be on a case-by-case basis”
Mr McMahon explains that decisions will be on a case-by-case basis, and “it is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area”. He encourages councils to engage with residents and their local MPs “in working through options”.
The minister ended by saying,
“Unfortunately, at this stage it would be inappropriate for me to comment or give a view on specific unitary proposals, or to pre-empt future decisions under the statutory process.
“Following submission of these proposals to government, we will consider proposals carefully before taking decisions on how to proceed.”
Robertson: The Government keeps refusing to rule it out
In response to the letter, Joe Robertson, Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East and Isle of Wight councillor for Bembridge, told OnTheWight,
“This letter confirms what I have been saying all along: we are in real danger of having our Isle of Wight Council merged with a part of Hampshire and a mainland-based Mayor imposed on us against our will. The Government keeps refusing to rule it out when given the opportunity to do so.
“I urge our Council Leader Phil Jordan to do as the Minister asks and engage with me as a local MP and listen to Islanders’ genuine concerns.
“Over 1,000 have responded to my survey already. He should also stop giving assurances about devolution and the future security of our Council which he knows he is in no position to give.”
The letters
The letters are embedded below for your convenience.
