More than 130 people attended the Isle of Wight Council’s public budget consultation meeting on Monday (25th January).
The meeting laid out the challenges faced by the council, the steps being taken to challenge the Island’s budgetary position with government, and the possible choices available to the council as it seeks to balance its budget for 2016/17.
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, council leader, said:
“Although fairly sombre in content, the meeting was quote positive in mood and in the engagement that we received from the audience. I think that people really do understand and appreciate the dire straits that the council, and the Island, faces. I am grateful to those who came along and who offered their helpful thoughts and suggestions.”
The council expects to hear the final result of its financial settlement from the government around 4th or 5th February.
Councillor Bacon said:
“We have been engaging with government for many months about the unique circumstances apparent on the Isle of Wight. They have listened and appear to have understood, and as such I hope that they will act to help us.”
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The council is considering every option available to it to meet its financial challenge of finding £17.38 million. A list of possible choices for savings is being considered, income streams have and are being considered, including what can be used from reserves.
The council’s budget consultation closes on 12th February. Full Council will consider the budget on 24th February.
