The council’s budget raises serious concerns around housing and the voluntary sector, the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats have said.
County Hall’s third largest councillor grouping expressed disquiet over the Alliance administration’s proposed reduction in affordable housing equity and potential cuts to the council’s work with the voluntary sector.
“Extremely disappointing” local government underfunding
However, the group also flagged “extremely disappointing” local government underfunding under the current Labour government and previous Conservative administrations in terms strikingly similar to the Isle of Wight Green Party’s comments.
The Isle of Wight council’s budget proposals include a 4.99 per cent council tax hike, £1.5 million of savings, a £11.1 million increase in Adult Social Care spending, an extra £4.7 million for Children’s Services and £13 million worth of new capital investment.
Garratt: Equity needed in affordable housing
Leader of the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats, Councillor Andrew Garratt, told the press,
“We are very concerned by the reduction in affordable housing equity and its impact on the council’s ability to deliver on housing that is desperately needed by many Island families.
“We are worried that the council’s work with the voluntary sector might see significant cuts, especially if this leads to services closing down. It’s much harder to rebuild something than to sustain it.
“We are also very worried that the government’s increase in employers’ National Insurance will have a knock-on effect on the sustainability of services such as the independent care sector on which the Isle of Wight is reliant.
“For future budgets, we look forward to the end of the cabinet system and the move to a committee system in May and we will work hard to ensure that opens up the development and scrutiny of budgets to all councillors.”
Mr Garratt called on the government to assist local councils in meeting the “rising costs” of “additional demands” in adult social care and children’s services.
He also urged County Hall to “keep lobbying hard for fair funding for the Isle of Wight”.
Jordan: IWC continues to advocate for fair funding for the Island from the government
Setting out the Alliance’s budget last week, council leader Phil Jordan said,
“Despite the challenging financial climate, our commitment to protecting and improving our community remains steadfast. We are dedicated to ensuring our community continues to thrive, even in the face of economic pressures.
“The council continues to advocate for fair funding for the Island from the government. By maximising spend from minimal funding, keeping charges down, investing in capital schemes, balancing the budget responsibly, using reserves wisely, and re-structuring where possible, we are working hard to minimise any adverse impacts on our residents.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
