A proposed new Floating Bridge charge for under 19s as part of “devastating” Isle of Wight Council budget plans would hit those who have the least, a councillor has said.
East Cowes representative, Karl Love, cited alternatives to the savings proposal, introduced without “any consultation whatsoever”, such as offered improved marketing on the chain ferry to raise income and upgrading its ticketing system.
An extra £5,000 for 2026/7
Introducing the charge outside school travel hours would bring in an extra £5,000 for 2026/7, according to a policy, finance and resources committee report.
It would amount to 60p for a casual single, £1 for a casual return and 30p with a saver card.
Love: This has been introduced without any consultation
Councillor Love said the policy would impose costs on participating in extracurricular activities such as sailing or scout groups. He said,
“Nobody has spoken to me or the other ward councillors or the town councils about this.
“This has been introduced without any consultation into that document whatsoever and there’s been no discussion with any of the appropriate committees such as education.
“That’s a discrimination because no other pupils anywhere on the Island will have to pay to go and do additional activities such as being in the scouts…or to go to UKSA. That is divisive of our community.”
He said the measure would impact those who have least money in their pockets and described the proposed budget as “devastating”.
Love: Have put forward alternative revenue raising ideas
Councillor Love said he put forward alternative revenue raising ideas such as improved marketing on the Floating Bridge – citing when a Red Funnel ship was painted in IKEA colours, upselling opportunities including “hats, badges, whistles” and upgrading the “outdated” ticketing system.
He added,
“There are other solutions to raising money to offset this particular action…but I haven’t been given the opportunity to represent those interests.”
IWC: No final decisions have been made
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said,
“No final decisions have been made. The budget proposals will be considered by the council’s policy, finance and resources committee on Friday 20th February and full council on Wednesday 25th February 2026.”
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
