Isle Of Wight 'Set To Benefit' As New Regional Authority Is Formally Established

A new regional authority that will help shape investment and decision-making across the Isle of Wight, Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton has been formally established following parliamentary approval.

The Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA) will receive £1.3 billion of Government investment funding over the next 30 years and will take on responsibilities in key areas including transport, housing, skills, investment and economic growth.

The new authority is expected to hold its first meeting in July, when it will agree how it will operate and make decisions on behalf of the region.

Isle of Wight Council leader Jonathan Bacon said the creation of the authority was an important step for the Island and wider region.

He said:

"It provides a framework for councils and partners to work more closely together on shared priorities such as transport, skills and economic development.

"I aim to ensure that issues relating to the Island’s connectivity to the mainland are a particular focus given the importance of that issue to the vast majority of residents."

The authority has been created as part of a devolution deal with Government, giving more decision-making powers to local leaders rather than Westminster.

While the new body will oversee regional priorities, day-to-day services such as social care, waste collection and road maintenance will remain the responsibility of individual councils, including the Isle of Wight Council.

The authority will receive £44.6 million a year in investment funding, although this will initially be reduced to £17.84 million annually until a regional mayor is elected in 2028.

Leaders say the new arrangements will help attract investment into the region, improve infrastructure and support economic growth, with the Isle of Wight expected to play a key role in discussions around transport links and connectivity.

The authority's chief executive, Dr Ruth Adams, said the organisation would focus on attracting investment and delivering benefits for local communities and businesses across the region.