Isle Of Wight Faces Crunch Decision Tonight On Solent Devolution And Mayoral Authority

A major vote on the creation of a new layer of government for Hampshire and the Solent is expected at the Isle of Wight Council this evening (Wednesday, October 1).

Full council is recommended to approve ‘in principle’ the establishing of a new Hampshire and Solent Mayoral Combined County Authority as part of Whitehall’s English devolution plans, in a report due to be presented.

The government released the English Devolution White Paper in December last year which it said begins the greatest transfer of power out of Westminster to England’s regions this century.

In February, six areas of England were accepted onto the government’s Devolution Priority Programme fast track, including Hampshire and the Solent, Cumbria and Norfolk and Suffolk.

The full council report says:

“The English Devolution White Paper, which preceded the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, outlined the government’s plans to extend and expand powers for existing mayors, while completing the map of English devolution.

“The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill introduced on July 10 defines the roles, responsibilities, powers, duties and functions of mayors and the future Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA).

“The Bill establishes a new form of government in England, the Strategic Authority (which includes Combined Authorities and Combined County Authorities, alongside the Greater London Authority) to lead regions.

“Strategic Authorities will be responsible for unlocking investment, infrastructure and economic growth across larger geographies, while local authorities will continue to be responsible for the critical daily services residents rely on, leading the reform of local public services, and improving local neighbourhoods.”

The document provides several examples of what devolution will give Mayoral Strategic Authorities: funding for local leaders to target priorities in their areas, skills and employment provision, more housing and investment in local business support and innovation.

It says that if the Isle of Wight Council does not agree to the creation of the Hampshire and Solent MCCA, the body ‘will not be established’.

That would mean no Hampshire and Solent mayoral election next year or devolved powers and funding to the region, the report adds.

However, it also notes that ‘resolving not to consent’ could result in the government stepping in and imposing a Strategy Authority across the area.

Full council will meet at County Hall at 7pm tomorrow evening.