Readers will remember at the beginning of the year the Independent-led administration of the Isle of Wight council (IWC) released their 2014/15 budget proposals.
Facing a £28m budget gap over the next three years, it was not surprising to see proposals to cut funding to countless services, or ‘re-engineering’ services as the Independents like to refer to it.
Cease funding school crossing patrols
One area that has caused concern for many Islanders is in relation to school crossing patrols.
In the budget paperwork, the IWC propose transferring the “provision of school crossing patrols to third parties at nil cost to the Council”.
They are hoping the move will save £46,000 in 2014/15, £92,000 in 2015/16 and £92,000 in 2016/17.
No statutory requirement
The council propose to cease funding the service from the end of the 2014 summer term, adding there is “no statutory requirement for the Council to provide the service”.
They go on to say their “target position” is for “parents and schools to take full responsibility for children reaching school safely”.
The Conservatives argument
Yesterday, the Isle of Wight Conservatives argued that the IWC should not be considering cutting funds for school patrol crossings, whilst continuing to pay the salaries of Union reps.
It was pointed out by several OnTheWight commenters that legislation dictates the local authority must allow paid time off for Trade Union representatives to carry our trade union duties.
Article edits: Changed ‘but’ to ‘whilst’ in sentence, “IWC should not be considering cutting funds for school patrol crossings, whilst continuing to pay the salaries of Union reps.”
