Geoff Brodie

In last night's annual budget vote at the Isle of Wight council, the Independent Labour councillor attracted two Conservative votes for his budget amendment, including the abstention of another two Conservative councillors.

Councillors debated and voted on next year's budget, which sees £5.5m of cuts/savings to public services including a 2.99 per cent increase to Council Tax, £1 overnight parking across the Island and 5% increase in crematorium and cemetery charges.

Cllr Brodie says he knows his proposals will be rubbished by the Conservative ruling group, but fears they are building up an "election war chest" with reserves that are "way over what is required".

Views were divided at last night's council meeting where councillors voted in favour of merging the Isle of Wight Authority with Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton, with one councillor stating the FBU only supporting it as the "least worst evil".

Cllr Brodie asked why STP is being driven forward by the Conservatives without bothering to reassure Islanders that their precious NHS will not be further damaged. The council leader responds.

Cllr Brodie intends to question the leader of the Isle of Wight council as to why there has been no public consultation for something that will radically change future health services and care on the Island.

The Newport and Carisbrooke Parish Council have joined forces with the Business Association to oppose plans to introduce parking charges in the Nodehill and Crocker Street area of the county town.

Local councillor slams housing developer saying their actions seem "like a marauding army devastating the countryside”.

If you haven't had a chance to look through yesterday's release of the draft budget proposals for next year, we share further details here, including shorter opening hours at the tip, rise in parking charges and care costs and another increase in council tax.

Leading councillors have endorsed proposals for the reform of the health and care system across the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sustainability and Transformation Partnership.

Hand-drawn by popular Isle of Wight artist Alan Rowe, this new map available from Visit Isle of Wight’s Tourist Information Centre based at the Guildhall in Newport, will help guide visitors and Islanders.