Funding cut for the Island’s community pantries

The future of the Island’s community pantries may be at risk, after a decision to slash the share of government funding they receive by 46 per cent was branded ‘cruel and heartless’.

Cllr Debbie Andre, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, was challenged after her decision was ‘called in’ for consideration on Wednesday night by the Corporate Scrutiny Committee.

The council received £1.99 million in funding to spend on helping the vulnerable and those in need, which it plans to spend on various initiatives. This includes supermarket vouchers worth £400,000, £500,000 for community grants, and a utility, food and white goods support scheme worth £350,000.

The scrutiny committee wanted to know why support for community pantries has been “reduced by 46 per cent” for 2025/26 despite government funding “only being reduced by 12 per cent”.

Councillors also questioned the allocation of £175,000 to the Isle of Wight Citizens Advice Bureau’s (CAB) Information, Advice and Guidance provision for crisis prevention support and guidance. The service has been described as “woefully inadequate” by Aspire, Pan Together, Ventnor Town Council and West Wight Sports and Community Centre.

Cllr Geoff Brodie described the decision as ‘cruel and heartless’ and he urged Cllr Andre to re-consider. But, speaking to the IW Observer, Cllr Andre said extensive engagement and consultation had taken place on the decision.

She explained: “As the cabinet member with the responsibility for this funding, it is my decision to make. The Corporate Scrutiny Committee can only make a recommendation, and I am currently considering that.

“If I was to change my decision, I would have to justify it, and if we were to talk about a potential amendment, this would cause a delay which would affect the whole fund.

“We would have to notify the Department for Work and Pensions and the decision would then have to be implemented. This could lead to an impact on vulnerable people and adult social care.

“This is one-off, non-recurrent funding – it has always been clear that the council may not be able to provide ongoing funding beyond its initial seed funding contributions should the funding be withdrawn or reduced.

“Over the last year, pantries have been encouraged to review their future operating and business plan options and to explore alternative or additional funding plans to make them viable in the future.”