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Mayoral referendum approved by Full Council

The Isle of Wight Council has, on November 24, voted to hold a referendum for people to decide whether or not they want the Council to be run by an executive mayor. The motion was approved by 27 votes to four, with three abstentions. The full Council was told that an additional 1,117 signatures had been submitted to the petition handed in during October, of which 869 were valid.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Shirley Smart, who proposed the referendum, said: “In the spirit of the petition, now is the time we should put it to the people of the Isle of Wight whether they want the constitution of the Council to change to allow a mayor to be put at the top of the organisation.”

If a mayor was elected would the Island’s 48 councillors would be abolished?

No. If we have a mayor, this will be in addition to the current 48 members. The numbers of councillors we have can only be amended following a review by the Boundary Commission. The Council has requested a review, which we believe will take place in 2007. A mayor would not combine the posts of council leader and council chairman. The law prevents combining the two functions.

What powers would the mayor have?

A mayor would have all the powers currently exercised by the Council's executive, which includes responsibility for major services such as education, care of the elderly and highways. A mayor also has a duty to propose a budget, but does not have any powers in relation to decisions which affect individuals rights, for example in development control or housing. A mayor does not have absolute power. Decisions are open to public scrutiny, and the formal checks of a scrutiny system made up of non-executive members is also required.

On important decisions, a majority of two-thirds of councilors could impose policy on the mayor.

How would the system work?

Mayors can work either with a cabinet or a council manager. This can only be decided by a referendum. The petition recently received by the Council called for a mayor and cabinet system, and this will form the basis of the referendum question.

If the cabinet system is chosen, the mayor has to appoint a deputy and a cabinet from among the other councillors. Non-councillors cannot be appointed.

How long is the mayoral term?

An elected mayor would serve a term of four years, and there are no limits to seeking re-election.

How much would a mayoral system cost?

The mayor’s allowance would have to be decided by the full Council, but there must be a recommendation from an independent panel. Other councils that operate a mayoral system typically have an allowance of between £40 - £60,000 per annum.

It should be remembered that the 48 existing councilors would continue to represent their electoral divisions.

How long will it all take?

In the event of a “Yes” vote on May 5th (by a simple majority of those voting), then the mayoral election would take in October, provided that the date of the election was at least three months after the date of the referendum.

In the event of a 'Yes' vote (by a simple majority of those voting), then the mayoral election would take place in the following May or October, provided that the date of the election was at least three months after the date of the referendum.

If the people decide not to approve the introduction of an elected mayor, can a second referendum be held?

According to government (ODPM) guidelines "... no two referendums can be held within five years of each other and a petition submitted less than four years after a referendum is invalid."