Isle of Wight Council have published budget proposals for 2022/23 (see item 6b). Cabinet will be considering them next (10 February 2022).

I’ve urged the Cabinet to reconsider some proposals in particular:

• increases in fees and charges for Wightcare that I’ve calculated is an inflation-busting 13%
• a cut in call centre staff, which risks call waiting times increasing

I’ve also asked for more information about a proposal to bring in a charge for video streaming of funeral services. I’m not comfortable with the idea and think it would should be reconsidered.

Although I have these concerns, this is a better budget package than we’ve seen in recent years with horrendous cuts under the previous Conservative administration (forced on them in some cases by long term underfunding of councils by the Conservative government).

I am particularly pleased to see that the new administration is investing in affordable housing to start addressing the housing crisis many Islanders face.