Forget petty politics – play an active part in the ‘combined mayoral authority’ conversation
By Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Kevin Smith
In the past few months there has been a considerable amount of discussion across the Isle of Wight about a ‘combined mayoral authority’. This has culminated recently in the local authority at full council voting against the Isle of Wight moving forward with the idea, only for a week later, the Isle of Wight Council Executive committee to overturn that decision and vote for ongoing discussions with Southampton and Portsmouth, on this important subject.
So, what is this all about and why should it be of interest to the wider Isle of Wight community? Well as we are all aware there are significant financial constraints being applied to local authorities across the country and the Isle of Wight and its neighbouring authorities are no different. We are all facing ongoing budgetary pressures to reduce costs whilst continuing to deliver essential services for our communities.
On the Isle of Wight this has been highlighted to some degree through the ‘Fight for the Wight’ campaign that has asked the UK government to reconsider how they fund our unique Island economy. To date this conversation has largely been ignored by a succession of different governments which, unfortunately, continues to be the case for the Isle of Wight. This is why the discussions with neighbouring authorities on how we can collaborate and work together across areas such as economic development and infrastructure are important to all of us. The Isle of Wight must be at the table to discuss how we do this effectively, for the benefit of the Island.
The recent vote by the full council was classic really, as it highlighted the normal infighting and petty politics that seem to persist here on the Isle of Wight. To shut the door and pull up the draw bridge will not help the Island, its community or its economy. We must be a part of a wider conversation on how public funding is spent effectively and efficiently for the benefit of our communities. Being a part of the ‘combined mayoral authority’ conversation plays an important role that demonstrates that the Island is forward thinking and outward looking and that we want to play an active part in shaping the Island’s future.
As I have said many times we are a small economy which is beautifully formed to take advantage of such conversations and discussions. I am convinced that we can all pull together and make things happen for the benefit of the Island’s economy and community, in ways that other areas could only dream of doing.
We all have a responsibility to remove the petty politics and to work together, focusing on how we can lever further investment in the Island that will benefit everyone. After all, we only have a small population of 140,000 people who I know only want what’s best for the Isle of Wight. We need to ensure that we put the petty politics and infighting aside and all work together to effectively deliver what is best for the Isle of Wight and its community.
