Isle Of Wight Set To Keep Its Own Council In New Local Government Shake-Up Plans

The Isle of Wight would continue to run its own standalone unitary authority under new proposals to reshape local government across Hampshire and the Island.

A joint plan, put forward by 12 councils, sets out a future where the mainland’s 14 councils would be replaced with four new unitary authorities.

Together with the Isle of Wight, this would create a five-council model across the region.

The blueprint – called Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong – suggests the changes could save at least £63.9 million a year, while streamlining services and reducing bureaucracy.

Three possible options for how the new mainland councils would be set up are included, each grouping areas around the main centres of Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester and Basingstoke.

The Island’s position would remain unchanged, with the proposal recognising its unique geography, infrastructure and service needs.

Key aims of the plan include:

• simplifying local government structures;

• cutting costs and reinvesting savings into frontline services;

• improving coordination of public services;

• keeping decision-making close to communities;

• supporting future growth and regional collaboration.

Isle of Wight councillors are due to discuss the proposals at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 17 September, ahead of the government’s deadline on Friday 26 September.