Solent Devolution plans have moved a step closer after members of the Isle of Wight council Executive last night (Thursday) agreed that a Mayoral Combined Authority (with Southampton and Portsmouth) is in “the best interests of the Isle of Wight”.
The next stage is a consultation, which will feed back to the Executive in the autumn.
A share of £30m per annum for 30 years
As reported earlier this month, if the combined authority goes ahead the Isle of Wight will have to negotiate a share (with Southampton and Portsmouth) of the £30m per annum being offered over the next 30 years.
It’s not clear yet whether each authority will get an equal share from the pot.
The Solent Devolution should give the Island greater powers to make strategic decisions at a local level.
Cuts to Government funding
Prior to this year’s budget setting, the council stated they were £17m short of funds in order to retain statutory and discretionary services as they are.
Many fears have been raised that by the next financial year (2017-18), the council will no longer be able to fund some statutory services.
Papers
Full details, including the powers and authority of the elected Mayor, can be found in the paper below.
Image: Simon Haytack under CC BY 2.0
