Budget Proposals from the Independent Group of Isle of Wight Councillors

The Independent Group of Isle of Wight Councillors has put forward a detailed budget proposal allowing necessary savings to be achieved while reinstating services such as Libraries, Toilets and Lifeguards which are threatened by some of the budget proposals of the leading Conservative group. Funding for other areas, including a new residents parking permit at £150, have been identified.

The Leader of the Independent Group, Councillor Vanessa Churchman, said: “In presenting our budget proposals we recognise that it is obvious that cutbacks are necessary, both due to the cuts in funding from central government but in many cases due to the previous errors of the current ruling group which have constrained what can be done now. However, in constructing our budget we have looked to make sensible economies and avoid waste while overall acting in accordance with the wishes and priorities of the residents of the Isle of Wight rather than any narrow political agenda. We recognise the value of many of the public services currently provided by the Council, the need to try and help people retain their jobs in difficult economic times and the need for support to be given to groups and organisations who provide essential facilities and services to the community”.

The Budget proposals of the Independent Group reinstate the following services:

• Tourist Information Centres
• All Public Conveniences
• Lifeguard Service
• Cowes Chain Ferry
• Ventnor Botanical Gardens
• All Libraries
• Ryde Waterside Pool

Councillor Churchman said: “We have recognised the importance of these services and the expressed public wish for them to be retained and maintained, as well as the effect of many of these valuable services on the Island economy. These proposals will also allow us to save over 180 jobs.”

The Independent Group proposes savings of £21,439m over a full year which will come from:

•  Cutting management costs of £9m This will include a reduction of 5% in salaries to all Council employees above staff level Sc6 and all Elected Member allowances as well as the deletion of 38 senior management posts.
• Cutting Council communication and performance management costs by £1,250,000. 
• Reduction in Council business infrastructure of £4,424,000, including a reduction in the mileage allowance, energy savings, cutting back the refurbishment of County Hall and reducing investment in Leisure facilities.

The economies proposed by the Independent Group create extra funds which it is proposed are used to support other areas and services which the Group see as being important. The proposals for further funding include:

• Increased funding for welfare benefits information and advice (£100,000)
• Replacement of funding for the IOW Music Service withdrawn in 2010 (£50,000)
• Support for victims of domestic abuse (£228,000)
• New residents island wide parking permit costing £150
• The creation of a Community Bus Fund (£100,000)

Councillor Churchman said: “If accepted by Full Council these proposals will provide a lawful, balanced and achievable budget which will save services and serve the community.”