By Isle of Wight Observer
If running a council were like running a household, we’d all recognise the situation right away: prices are up, bills are up, and a budget that seems to shrink every month. The Isle of Wight Council is no different – except our “household” serves 140,000 people and maintains over 500 miles of road, has hundreds of public buildings, and vital services that touch every single life on this Island.
We’re consulting with you – our residents and businesses – on how we continue to deliver the essential services you depend on while making the sums add up. It’s a conversation everyone should be part of.
One of our biggest challenges is social care – adults’ and children’s – which now accounts for around three-quarters of our entire council budget. The demand keeps rising as our population ages, and the cost of providing that care increases each year. Nobody disputes that it’s money well spent – caring for our most vulnerable, young and old, is one of the most important things we do – but it does mean less financial flexibility elsewhere.
That’s why I’ve been pressing Government so hard for a Fair Funding deal for the Isle of Wight. We’re a unitary authority serving an Island community, yet we receive the same funding formula as a mainland council with motorways, big urban centres, and instant access to neighbouring resources. Ferries are not free, and moving anything on and off our Island, goods, people and vehicles, costs real money. It’s time that reality was reflected in how we’re funded.
In the meantime, we’re tightening our belts, modernising and restructuring services, and investing wisely to make every pound go further. From digital transformation in customer services and back-office support to smarter contracts and energy-efficient buildings, we’re determined to protect what matters most: the services that support our residents, keep our communities safe, and make this Island a place we’re all proud to call home.
So please, take part in the public consultation. You can access it easily via iw.observer/budget-consultation. Or drop us a line at County Hall if you want a paper copy. Tell us your priorities, your ideas, and where you think we should focus our limited resources. Balancing the books isn’t easy – but with your help and input, and a fairer deal from Government, I’m confident we can keep the Island strong, caring, and financially sound.