Island Labour has accused the Isle of Wight Council’s Conservative administration of using the pandemic as a "shield" in its latest budget announcement.
A near five per cent rise in council tax and a hike in crematorium costs were among the proposals approved last night.
The Tory administration insists it has put forward “resilient” plans which have balanced the books, despite challenging circumstances caused by the pandemic.
Council leader, Cllr Dave Stewart said the local authority has faced its “most difficult challenges ever” and that his party’s budget ensures community safety, economic recovery and that the Island is a key place to grow up, work and visit.
Chair of Island Labour, Richard Quigley has hit out at the plans, however. Reacting to the last night’s vote, he said:
‘No one will deny the pandemic has caused problems for everyone, not just the council, but I can’t help feel they are using it as a shield to excuse previous poor financial management and crippling cuts from central government.
‘We have all suffered 4 years of cuts to services, but only a Tory administration would increase council tax by the maximum allowed without a referendum (4.99%) during a time when people are struggling more than ever to make ends meet.
‘A move so unpalatable that even one of their own Cllrs opposed it (Cllr Price).”
Cllr Matt Price (Conservative) backed Cllr Geoff Brodie’s (independent Labour) alternative budget.
He also voted ‘for’ his own administration’s proposals, despite raising concerns.
Mr Quigley added:
“What is even more galling, is when alternative suggestions are made, they [Tories] dismiss them out of hand.
“Cllr Stewart and his fellow Cllrs seem happy to let the Island wither away by death by a thousand cuts, making Islanders suffer.”
As part of approved plans, £300,000 will also be spent on speed cameras.
Cllr Stewart says “tough choices” have had to be made this year.
He said:
"I recognise that it is a difficult choice — but we have to find the right balance to have a sound foundation from which we can rebuild the Island’s economic, social and environmental infrastructure and provide the best life experiences we can for all of our community here on the Island.
"This budget is about working together with Islanders, our local businesses and partner organisations — as we have all endeavoured to work together throughout the pandemic for the common good and for a brighter future.
"This budget is deliverable, keeps the Island community safe and enables our economic recovery plan to go forward so that we can achieve our vision for the future."
You can read the full plans - including reaction from the opposition - on our website.
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