The Isle of Wight Green Party has said councillors are having to make “very tough decisions” amid “chronic underfunding” from governments past and present.
Assessing County Hall’s 2025/26 budget plans, which include a 4.99 per cent rise in council tax, the group said the council “must budget and provide for some of the most important services on the Isle of Wight”.
The ruling Alliance administration’s proposed budget includes £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.
Critchison: Councillors are having to make very tough decisions
Two green councillors are part of the Alliance Group: Joe Lever (Carisbrooke and Gunville) and Claire Critchison (Chale, Niton and Shorwell).
Councillor Critchison said,
“The Isle of Wight Green Party share the deep concerns of residents who are set to encounter another five per cent rise in council tax.
“Our Isle of Wight council must budget and provide for some of the most important services on the Isle of Wight, including schools, adult social care, housing, waste, culture, economy, flooding and coastal protection. Councillors are having to make very tough decisions to keep services running at this time.
“The stark reality is that years of chronic underfunding from successive Conservative governments has shockingly continued under this most disappointing of Labour governments.
“As an Island with much higher costs than other councils, and limited additional sources of income, we need much more than an extra £4 million from government to meet the growing needs of young and old.”
Jordan: Our commitment to protecting and improving our community remains steadfast
Announcing 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
