Residents are being encouraged to share their views as the Isle of Wight Council looks for ways to protect essential services and launches a consultation on a local discretionary concessionary travel scheme.
Importantly, the consultation is not about the national free travel entitlement for older and disabled residents, which will remain unchanged.
Instead, the council is specifically seeking feedback on its ‘New Islander’ Gold and Silver card. This is a locally funded benefit that the Isle of Wight Council provides voluntarily and goes above and beyond the national minimum requirements.
Residents can qualify for a gold New Islander card if they have a severe and enduring mental health condition. They can also qualify for a silver New Islander card for a travelling companion, if they cannot use public bus services without the assistance of a companion.
To be eligible for a silver New Islander card for their companion, the resident must also hold a valid gold New Islander Card or an Isle of Wight Council issued disabled person’s English National Concessionary Card.
To be eligible for a silver New Islander card, the resident must also hold a valid gold New Islander Card or an Isle of Wight Council issued disabled person’s English National Concessionary Card.
The consultation will run from 23rd October to 20th November and is available here www.iow.gov.uk/islander from Friday.
No decisions have been made, and the consultation is designed to help the council better understand how the concessions are used, the difference they make to residents’ daily lives and the potential impact of any future changes.
The council faces significant long-term financial pressures, driven by rising demand for services, increasing costs and continuing budget challenges. Earlier this year, the authority reported a structural budget deficit approaching £66 million per annum by 2029/30.
The Island’s concessionary travel scheme cost the Council £5.3million in the 2025/26 financial year, for both statutory and discretionary elements.
Any proposals would amend the current scheme to align the island with other councils in the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority and enable savings in the process.
A decision was made at the Economy, Transport, Regeneration and Infrastructure Committee in November 2025 to review the Island’s discretionary elements and options have been explored by officers since this point.
But before any proposals or decisions are made, the council is seeking feedback from residents, concessionary travel pass holders, carers and other stakeholders on how the existing concessions are used and the impact any changes could have.
Questions include how frequently card holders use bus and Island Line services, the reasons for their journeys, how they might travel if concessions were reduced or removed, and the potential effect on access to work, education, healthcare, shopping, leisure activities and social connections.
The council is encouraging everyone with an interest in the proposals to take part and share their views before any decisions are made.
Michelle Love, Isle of Wight Council’s service director for highways and community protection, said:
“We know these concessions can make a real difference to people’s independence, wellbeing and ability to access everyday services, which is why it is so important that we hear directly from those who use them.
“No decisions have been made, and feedback from residents, pass holders, carers and other stakeholders will play a vital role in helping us assess the options before any future decisions are considered.
“At a time of significant financial pressure on council services, we must turn over every stone and explore all options. It is essential that we fully understand the benefits of the current scheme and the consequences any changes could have for those who rely on it, and we urge residents to give us their feedback.”
