Geoff Brodie, NCCC Councillor for Pan and Barton shares this latest news. Ed
On Monday 3rd February Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council will consider a Precept increase for 2025-26 of 5%. The same as last year, continuing its record this decade of relatively low increases in recognition of the continuing cost of living crisis.
This 5% is in line with what the Government is allowing for the IW Council Tax this year. It amounts to a £840,000 budget or just £1.92 per week for a Band D household or £1.71pw for a Band C.
Proposed by the council’s finance lead Councillor Geoff Brodie and supported by the council’s Chair and Vice Chair, Councillors Martin Oliver and Matthew Ambrosini, the proposal is for steady state in council services, with some small additions to services.
What the rise will support
Support would continue for the immensely popular Day of Christmas event and this May 2025 there will be a major VE Day event at Victoria Recreation Ground.
There is also support for the re-opening of the newly-acquired Pan Multi Use Games Area after its eight years of closure and a contribution to a new play park at Hookes Way. Also further support for expanded youth service provision.
Funding services cut by IWC
The Council would continue to fund services cut by the IW Council in the past such as all local public toilets, most recreation grounds, all allotments, a 100% subsidy for the 39 bus service, management of Victoria Rec Pavilion, many litter and dog bins and all local school crossing patrols.
Grants to local community and sports groups will continue and in recognition of poverty within the parish there will be a grant budget for local groups working in that field.
Brodie: Operating costs are increasingly way above official inflation rate
Councillor Brodie said,
“Whilst many residents are still facing a cost of living crisis we have to be sensible with any increase.
“I would have preferred a much smaller increase, perhaps none, but operating costs are increasingly way above the official inflation rate.
“We have always tried to be a careful Council, except when we have the express and wide support of residents for significant increases.
“This is not that year. I trust my colleague councillors will support this proposal.”
