Council Rejects Major Local Government Overhaul Plan

A proposal setting out a root and branch overhaul of local government across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has been rejected by County Hall this evening (September 17).

Full council voted against a landmark vision for local government reorganisation (LGR) put forward by 12 councils across the region: ‘Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong’.

The chamber was sharply divided, with 15 in favour and 19 against.

A model of five unitary authorities was put forward: four new mainland councils in place of 14 existing ones, and the Isle of Wight keeping its current position.

It was drawn up in light of far-reaching devolution and local government reorganisation plans unveiled by Whitehall in December last year.

The reforms include two separate but related policy packages: shifting powers and funding from Whitehall to England’s regions by creating Strategic Authorities with elected mayors and ending the two-tier system of county and district councils with new unitary authorities covering populations of at least 500,000.

In February, then Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution Jim McMahon, invited LGR proposals from Hampshire and Solent councils.

The proposal rejected this evening aimed to simplify local structures, improve coordination of services and deliver estimated annual savings of at least £63.9 million.

Section five of the document gives its case for the Island keeping its unitary authority:

“With a track record of financial sustainability and effective service delivery, the Isle of Wight Council has operated successfully as a unitary council since 1995.

“The Island’s unique geography, accessible only by ferry, creates distinct logistical and service delivery challenges that are best addressed through a locally focused model.

“Being an independent authority has enabled tailored responses to challenges, demographic pressures and environmental priorities while protecting the Island’s local identity.

“Maintaining the Isle of Wight as an independent or unitary authority will ensure it continues to respond to local needs while standing alongside new the mainland unitary councils through an enhanced partnership.”

More to follow…