“Deep concerns” have been shared about the Isle of Wight Council’s finances after the authority revealed it would be getting less money from government, than first thought, for the year ahead.
There is also no sign of the major ‘Island Deal’ cash windfall that had been hoped for in the local government finance settlement.
It comes despite the Isle of Wight Council supplying evidence to show it costs at least £6 million more to provide services to the Island — a process which it said took months of work.
As was the case last year, the Island will only get £1 million to go towards those costs but overall, the council will be £400,000 worse off than it had estimated.
The Isle of Wight Council along with the bankrupt Thurrock Council — which will raise its council tax by eight per cent — received the lowest funding percentage increase of all unitary authorities.
It is something the council’s chief finance officer, Chris Ward, has called “very concerning” and has expressed his disappointment.
He said it was also deeply concerning the increased cash for social care will fall short of the cost pressures the council will face.
Mr Ward said it is therefore “inevitable” the council will need to make at least £3 million of savings in the next financial year.
In light of that, council leader, Phil Jordan has warned difficult decisions will need to be made so the council can set its balanced budget in February.
In a statement, he said the settlement is simply not sufficient to meet the financial pressures the authority is facing and government is again expecting residents to pay more, by assuming council tax is raised to its fullest extent.
Opposition councillors at County Hall are trying to bring forward their own alternative budget to that which the ruling Alliance Administration will propose.
However, Conservative councillors and the Empowering Islanders group have said they have been having a hard time accessing the necessary information to create their own budget.
Speaking earlier this week, Cllr Clare Mosdell, leader of the Conservative group, said they didn’t want to bring forward an amendment, but a full budget which can give the Alliance more ideas and allow more debate and discussions but needed access to the right information to do so.
Council officers have said they will look into the issue and see what can be done.
Islanders can still have a say on how they think the authority should spend its money, with a public consultation running until January 26. Find out more here: www.iow.gov.uk/council-and-councillors/transparency-our-data/our-finances/2024-2025-budget-consultation/
Controversial Freshwater Housing Proposal Turned Down
Rare Mantis Shrimp Discovery Made In Waters Off Isle Of Wight
Man In 50s Confirmed Dead Following Newport Crash
Pedestrian In Hospital With Serious Injuries Following Early Morning Motorcycle Crash
Cowes Stately Home To Have Facilities Upgraded As Part Of Approved Renovation
Ofsted Deliver Glowing Report For 'Welcoming' And 'Highly Ambitious' Island Primary School
Help Available For Islanders To Cut Energy Bills
Cowes Lifeboat Performs Mid-Solent Rescue Of Fishing Boat
Christmas Shopping With A Difference In Ryde – Half A Mile Out To Sea!
Home-From-Home' Nursery Given 'Outstanding' Ofsted Grade
Island Wastewater Upgrades Set For Christmas Finish
Harbour Dredging Operations Could Continue By Island Village
New Home For Citizens Advice Isle Of Wight
Appeal Filed Over Contentious Island Seaside Town Redevelopment Bid
Controversial Freshwater And Newport Housing Proposals To Be Decided This Week
Line-Up Announced For 2025 Isle Of Wight Story Festival
Have Your Say On How Isle Of Wight Council Should Spend Its Money
Island Family Launches Appeal For Teenage Son With Brain Tumour
Ryde Farmhouse Set For Demolition Despite Local Protestor
