Council leader warns Exceptional Financial Support is ‘not new funding’ after £12.9m offer
Carole DennettThe Government has confirmed it is “minded to approve” borrowing under Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) for the Isle of Wight…
Read MorePlanning shift could unlock empty Sandown seafront hotels
Sandown South councillor Ian Ward says years of work to resolve long‑standing planning barriers for empty hotels on the seafront…
Read MoreMedina Studios plan could bring £36m boost and 875 jobs to Island
A major new economic study says the Medina Studios development, which already has full planning permission, could deliver one of…
Read MoreCouncil £20 million budget gap looms
The Isle of Wight Council’s Director of Finance has warned that the 2026/27 budget will be the most challenging it…
Read MoreIt’s never too late for a happy ending
An 18‑year‑old cat, who faced spending his final months in a vet’s cage, has instead found a loving Isle of…
Read MoreIW OBSERVATIONS: Negative campaigning: we’re not printing it
With the IW Council elections now confirmed for May 7, the IW Observer has taken a careful look at the…
Read MoreMP warns PM of impact of emissions legislation on Islanders
IW West MP Richard Quigley caught the Speaker’s eye in the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions today, raising…
Read MoreIW OBSERVATIONS: Isle of Wight thrown into global politics
Islanders could be forgiven for feeling somewhat startled this week, when the Isle of Wight was dragged into a discussion…
Read MorePotential sites for social rent housing
A major list of council owned land and buildings that could be sold or redeveloped – including six key sites…
Read MoreHigh rate of school absences on the IW
Parents of one in ten children on the Island were issued with school attendance penalty notices (PNs) in the 2024/25…
Read MoreSixteen homes planned for Totland school site
A major planning application has been submitted to transform the long‑vacant former Weston Primary School site, in Totland, into a…
Read MoreNew glamping retreat plans near Robin Hill
A planning application has been submitted for a glamping development on land off Briddlesford Road, near Robin Hill adventure park,…
Read MoreIsland spirit goes global
Mermaid Gin has announced a major strategic partnership to support the 10-year-old brand’s expansion in the United States – a…
Read MoreFormer leader of MCA to look at ferry issues
The Government has appointed Brian Johnson, former Chief Executive of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), as the independent chairman…
Read MoreShould councillors increase their allowances?
Isle of Wight councillors will decide next Wednesday whether to approve the recommended new Members’ Allowance Scheme for 2026–27. Their…
Read MoreCare closer to home – New facility at St Mary’s
A breaking ground ceremony took place at St Mary’s Hospital on Wednesday to mark the start of construction on a…
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