Seven of the Island's most influential Councillors agreed last night (Tuesday) to press ahead with massive cuts in the budget.

£2.7 million is still expected to be slashed from the Supporting People programme and a 166% increase in the cost of a parking permit on the Island is still set to happen.

However members of the Island's Cabinet said there was still time for alternative proposals to be put forward before a final decision is made on the budget at a full Council meeting on the 24th February.

Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio at the meeting, Councillor Peter Bingham said, "we're facing one of the most difficult budgets in decades and it could even be worse next year. It's a double edged sword. We are getting increased costs across the board. Our costs for the vulnerable have gone up, we are actually putting more money in this year but placements are costing more, including children's placements. Just about everywhere we look costs are going up and yet our income is actually going down".

More than 100 protesters gathered outside County Hall last night ahead of the meeting to vent their anger. Click above to hear just a few of their comments. 

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