2 days Ago
The Isle of Wight Labour Party has said it ‘recognises’ County Hall's ‘funding challenges’ in setting a budget but highlighted the government’s ‘significant’ support for the Island. Commenting in light of the ruling Alliance administration’s 2025/26 budget plans, the local party pointed to the Ryde Town Board’s receipt of £20 million to ‘drive economic growth and enhance community infrastructure’ and £1.6 million allocated to ‘tackle potholes and improve local roads’.
The proposed budget includes a 4.99 per cent council tax hike, an £11.1 million increase in adult social care spending, an extra £4.
7 million for children’s services and £13 million worth of new capital investment. Read more: Isle of Wight finance cabinet member presents budget Isle of Wight Labour said the Island ‘continues to have unique challenges that require further financial support’ despite the government’s ‘positive steps’. Read more: Alliance and Isle of Wight Conservatives in finances row Phil Attfield, chair of the Isle of Wight Labour Party, said: “The Fair Funding Review for local authorities was abandoned by the last government in 2020.
In the recent Devolution White Paper, the Labour Government recognises that current funding mechanisms are outdated, inefficient and poor value for money. “The Island’s Constituency Labour Party is committed to supporting successful future Labour council candidates to work with government officials to secure fair funding for the Island’s needs.” Referring to the £1.
6 million Pothole and Local Roads Improvement funding, council leader Phil Jordan said: “This is quite significant in that the amount of money that we routinely receive annually for general highways maintenance is £1.4 million.” In budget statements last week, the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats and Greens condemned the government’s ‘underfunding’ of local government.
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