The Isle of Wight should remain ‘as is’ as part of the overhaul of local government, according to the first draft of a devolution plan.
The proposal, which have been agreed by council leaders across Hampshire and the Solent area, states that the island ‘meets the criteria of exceptional circumstances related to local identity.’
New unitaries are meant to have at least 500,000 residents. However, the Isle of Wight only has 148,000.
The island’s geography means that joining with other councils would not deliver economies of scale or reduce costs, according to the proposal.
Council leader Phil Jordan commented: ‘The cost of delivering services here is inherently higher due to our isolation and detachment from the mainland which, in turn, produces a smaller market size for service delivery. We believe these factors make a strong case for the Isle of Wight to be treated as an exception.
He continued: ‘Additionally, our residents have a distinct cultural identity that does not align naturally with those on the mainland. Our submission will ensure that we present to Government our exceptional circumstances and the firm case that we remain consistent and unchanged in our services delivery on the Island, for the Island and by the Island.’
