Councillor Andrew Garratt shares this latest news from Isle of Wight Liberal Democrat councillors. Ed
Increases in parking charges and the extension of charging to new streets would be scrapped in a Liberal Democrat budget amendment to be proposed tomorrow (25th February 2026).
The proposed withdrawal responds to the worries of businesses and residents that increasing parking costs and expanding charging would discourage trade and place further pressure on fragile town centre economies.
Supporting young people
In addition, the amendment withdraws the introduction of a new charge for under-19s using the Floating Bridge, retain the Duke of Edinburgh support service for young people, and reverse plans to close Newport Roman Villa to the public.
The Lib Dems also want any staffing reduction proposals focused only on redeployment and voluntary/mutual agreements arising from service transformation.
Establish a Transformation Board
With government insisting that councils implement transformation plans, the Lib Dems propose establishing a Transformation Board that brings together expertise from across the Island – including finance, business, public services, and the voluntary sector.
The Lib Dems recommend the Board prioritises:
- the reduction of poverty and increase in community resilience, and improving mental health and wellbeing, leading to reduced need for support and intervention from statutory services, with joint working alongside Public Health wherever possible
- partnerships with the voluntary sector and other not-for-profit organisations (e.g. IW Community Action)
- collaborations with health and social care partners towards reducing delayed discharge and providing improved care at home
- working with town, parish and community councils on stewardship of public assets and programmes where joint approaches produce greater benefits, alongside other not-for-profit organisations where possible
- using technology to reduce staff workload pressure, support staff welfare, and increase organisational efficiency
- investment in economic development, particularly for small businesses, to increase the number, quality and security of employment opportunities
- maximising benefits of the Island’s environment and, particularly, its Biosphere status
Garratt: Funding must be genuinely fair – not just this year, but for the long term
Liberal Democrat group leader, Councillor Andrew Garratt, said,
“Isle of Wight Council faces financial challenges that are not of our making.
“After years of successive government cuts in funding, the current government’s funding formula has delivered a massive body blow to council finances.
“The Lib Dem amendment is aimed at steering the council away from the looming risk of a Section 114 notice being issued – essentially saying that the council cannot pay its way. Councils that have issued such notices have faced brutal cuts in services to balance the books.
“That is why our transformation priorities focus on protecting vulnerable residents, strengthening community resilience, improving partnership working, and supporting economic development.
“We hope our amendment will provide the basis for a cross-chamber agreement that secures the council’s financial situation for the coming year.
“But we will not give up on the Island’s case for fair funding and will continue to press government to recognise the Island’s unique position.
“Funding must be genuinely fair – not just this year, but for the long term.”
