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Budget Cuts

school crossing patrol by joybot

13, July 2016·2 min read

Call for local businesses to help fund school crossing patrols

Roughly half of schools that were approached to help to save their local service have agreed to take over the funding, but there are still others that will be without school crossing patrols come September unless alternative funding is found.

John Metcalfe - Now CEO of Isle of Wight council - 25 Nov 2015

1, July 2016·2 min read

Isle of Wight Council: We’ve cut everything, now we need Regeneration

The Isle of Wight council admit that whilst they've been very effective in making savings in response to cuts from Government funding, they've not focused enough on increasing their income. A proposal to address this, with the creation of new Regeneration posts has just been published.

Abacus :

21, June 2016·2 min read

More public involvement could help Island’s financial crisis

A number of strategies to tackle the financial crisis of the Isle of Wight were discussed at the public meting held on Saturday.

elderly people clapping

14, June 2016·3 min read

Letter: Will we be forced to limit number of people retiring to the Island?

A quarter of the Island's population are over the age of 65, compared to an average of 16.6% in England. It could result in the health and social care system facing a funding shortfall of £52 million by 2020. This reader ponders on how the problem can be fixed.

Macro shot of paper money

12, June 2016·1 min read

‘Financial future of the Isle of Wight’ to be tackled at public meeting

A variety of speakers will be presenting at the public meeting to discuss the financial future of the Isle of Wight on Saturday 18th June. All welcome.

County Hall

23, May 2016·3 min read

‘Independent Administration is about People not ‘Political’ labels’ says Leader

The Leader of the Island Independents, Jonathan Bacon, has responded this morning to accusations made by Conservative councillor, Dave Stewart, that those who signed up to a campaign against austerity are 'hard left'.

closed sign

9, May 2016·1 min read

Letter: Lack of loos by beach is shameful

This reader was horrified to find the loos at St Helens beach closed on what was the hottest weekend of the year on the Isle of Wight so far this year.

austerity not working sign

3, May 2016·1 min read

‘Councillors Against Austerity’: Fewer than half on Isle of Wight council sign up

Cllr Geoff Lumley (who co-organised the launch of the campaign on the Island) is unhappy that 22 Isle of Wight Councillors have not responded to or have declined his call to support the 'Councillors Against Austerity' campaign.

austerity doesn't work

19, April 2016·1 min read

Isle of Wight councillors sign up to ‘Councillors Against Austerity’

Following Saturday's anti-austerity march in London, eleven Isle of Wight councillors have signed up to the national ‘Councillors Against Austerity’ founding statement and ask the Government to reverse cuts to council funding

unite the iw at demo with banner

18, April 2016·1 min read

Isle of Wight anti-austerity campaign group unites at London demo

Saturday's demo for health, homes, jobs and education saw around 150,000 people from around the country gather in London - this included Islanders who travelled up by coach with others from Portsmouth.

Jonathan Bacon and Geoff Lumley at anti-austerity march

18, April 2016·1 min read

Isle of Wight Council leader joins Islanders on anti-austerity march

Isle of Wight council leader joined others on the huge anti-austerity march in London on Saturday. The first time Labour councillor, Geoff Lumley, says he's ever been joined by a council leader on a demo.

monopoly board

7, April 2016·1 min read

Letter: Here’s a top tip for reducing council tax for soon-to-be-hit disabled

Are you disabled, or know someone who is? This little-known tip could help you offset upcoming council tax rises targeted at the disabled.

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