Isle of Wight to stay independent as government confirms unitary future
Carole DennettThe Isle of Wight will remain a single, standalone unitary authority, following the government’s long‑awaited decision on the future shape…
Read MoreCouncil admits shortfall as Island social housing delivery lags behind demand
The Isle of Wight Council has responded to last week’s IW Observer report, highlighting that only 41 new social housing…
Read MoreIsle of Wight built just 41 social rent homes in ten years despite rising demand
The Isle of Wight Council has delivered only 41 units of new social housing over the past decade, despite growing…
Read MoreIW Council to recruit new finance chief amid £65m deficit fears
The Isle of Wight Council is seeking approval from the Appointments and Employment Committee (A&EC) to start the formal process…
Read MoreUnfunded asylum costs must be met by council tax payers
The Isle of Wight Council spent more than £2.6 million on adult social care and children’s services for asylum seekers…
Read MoreGoodOaks Homecare rated good as Pacific Care needs improvement
GoodOaks Homecare, based in Sandown, was found to be good in all areas during a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection…
Read MoreDame Donna Langley: Where the stories began
Dame Donna’s father, John Langley, dropped into the IW Observer office in Newport last week, and shared a few tales…
Read MoreMajor Reform UK event for Island supporters
Islanders curious to find out more about the growth of Reform UK are being invited to gather for a high…
Read MoreParties unite to rewrite budget
The most controversial elements of the Isle of Wight Council’s proposed budget were scrapped last night – but councillors of…
Read MoreCouncil leader warns Exceptional Financial Support is ‘not new funding’ after £12.9m offer
The 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…
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