Isle of Wight residents have been getting their increased council tax bills for the year ahead — with some Islanders in for an eyewatering surprise.
The cost of every town, parish and community council precept has been revealed for Islanders, showing the different amounts residents are charged depending on where they live.
What is a precept?
A precept is an additional charge for residents, which goes towards the work and services provided by local town, parish and community councils.
This is on top of other costs paid to the Isle of Wight council, the police and fire services.
Bills will rise an average of 11 per cent across the Island, with the average Band D precept standing at £120.88 for the smaller councils.
Variations
However, 25 of the 33 town, parish and community councils pay less than the average, with Newchurch residents, who have the lowest council precept on the Island, paying less than a sixth of the average, at £19.38 a year.
Other low-paying authorities include Rookley (£33.71), Fishbourne (£40.34), Northwood (£40.77) and Wroxall (£41.81).
Five areas on the Island will see a decrease in their payments or no increase at all — those in Chale and East Cowes will stay the same but those in Rookley, Fishbourne and Gurnard will see their bills shrink.
Rising precepts
Others won’t be so lucky with 28 towns and villages putting up their prices.
Lake residents are facing the biggest increase in council tax — with a 66 per cent increase — to bolster Lake Parish Council’s reserves, and pay for new toilets and the repairs to the revetment toilets.
This year’s hike is on top of an eyewatering 90 per cent rise the year before.
It means, from April, Band D residents will pay triple what they used to, previously paying £51 in 2022 and now facing a £163 bill.
What the precept supports
Totland Parish Council has also raised its price for residents by 60 per cent so it can continue to support the village’s community post office, buying the Church Hall on The Broadway as well as other projects.
Band D residents will see their bills increase from £104.60 to £167.58, the fifth most expensive on the Island.
Freshwater residents will now join Sandonians in paying, on average, more than £200 a year for its parish and town council activities.
Most expensive precept
The most expensive precept on the Island remains to be for Sandown taxpayers after it rose by 6.6 per cent, now standing at an average £232.80.
The increases will come into effect from 1st April 2024.
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
