The news comes after the Isle of Wight Council’s U-turn on its decision to reject the government’s proposals set out in the English Devolution White Paper.
The island council joins Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton county councils in voting in favour of the changes, meaning all county-level authorities in Hampshire are now aligned.
The four councils have also voted in favour of the fast-track programme (DPP), designed to speed up the process.
READ MORE: Hampshire County Council votes on Labour’s devolution paper
One result of being on the fast track would be the postponement of May’s local elections by 12 months, a factor which has drawn fierce resistance from some corners, including Hampshire County Council’s Liberal Democrat faction.
The Isle of Wight Council’s decision to go against the Labour government’s plans was fuelled by fears of a “mainland mayor” accruing too much power.
Yesterday, however, the island’s cabinet overturned the decision of the full council, removing the final obstacle within the county to the creation of a combined “mega council”.
In December, the government announced plans for every English region to have an elected mayor to oversee housing, planning, education and other services.
Ministers see the creation of more powerful regional authorities as a way of unblocking infrastructure and attracting greater investment.
Dozens of smaller councils could be abolished as a result.
Isle of Wight Council leader Phil Jordan told Thursday’s meeting: “I see no reason why this island council will not continue to operate as it does now, providing services to the Isle of Wight.”
SEE ALSO: Letter: ‘Devolution reorganisation will be intricate and drawn-out’
Alongside devolution, the government has recommended local government reorganisation.
It would see district and borough councils, including New Forest, Test Valley, Winchester, Fareham and Gosport scrapped and unitary authorities created, serving a minimum of 500,000 people.
The Isle of Wight is estimated to have a population of 142,000 people.
Mr Jordan said the government had indicated it was minded to see the island as an exceptional case, because of its geography.
Elsewhere, Hampshire County Council’s cabinet waved through the full council’s vote (made yesterday, January 9) in favour of the plans, the fast-track programme and the postponement of the local elections in May.