East Wight MP Raises Alarm Over Possible Shift of Island Education Powers to Hampshire Mayor

East Wight MP Joe Robertson has written to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson demanding clarity over reports that a future Mayor for Hampshire and the Solent could be handed powers over Isle of Wight schools.

The move — first reported in The Guardian — suggests amendments to the Government’s

English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill could see education and healthcare added to the Mayor’s remit, alongside already announced responsibilities for transport, policing, and strategic planning.

The role also comes with the power to levy a new “mayoral precept” on council tax bills.

If approved, it would mean key decisions about young Islanders’ education would be made across the Solent, rather than by the Isle of Wight Council.

Island councillors are set to vote on whether to back the Government’s mayoral plans next Wednesday, 1 October.

Mr Robertson said:

“What is becoming clear is that the Hampshire-based Mayor is going to become increasingly powerful over time, taking powers away from our own independent Isle of Wight Council.

"This is the very opposite of community empowerment. Isle of Wight councillors need to know what they are voting for next Wednesday – if the Government cannot be straight with us, then councillors should reject the plan.”

He also criticised the decision to brand the post with the “Solent” name, despite ferries being excluded from the new transport powers, adding:

“This alone is enough to say no to Government and renegotiate better terms. Now is a time for councillors to pull together and stand up for our Island.”