Isle Of Wight Council To Appoint Dedicated Chief Finance Officer As Long-Running Shared Agreement Ends

The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed that its long-standing shared arrangement with Portsmouth City Council for chief finance officer Chris Ward will come to an end next year.

For around a decade, the two authorities have jointly appointed Mr Ward as their Section 151 officer — a role responsible for ensuring sound financial management.

The agreement was introduced during a period of significant financial pressure for the Isle of Wight Council and was designed to strengthen leadership at a critical time.

With increasing demands on both councils and major work ahead linked to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the two authorities have agreed the partnership should conclude.

The Isle of Wight Council will now begin recruiting a dedicated full-time Section 151 officer, with the process set to start shortly.

Mr Ward will remain in post until May 2026, providing continuity while the council prepares its 2026/27 budget and begins the transition to a new appointee.

Joining the council in 2016, Mr Ward played a key role in stabilising its finances, developing a new Medium Term Financial Strategy which delivered an immediate £50 million boost.

He also helped secure £4 million in additional annual funding from central government and guided the authority through a decade of financial challenges.

Chief executive Wendy Perera praised his “professionalism and dedication,” saying his impact on both the council and the Island community had been “lasting and significant”.

Council leader Cllr Phil Jordan also thanked Mr Ward for his expertise during a difficult financial era, adding that his increasing commitments related to LGR and devolution work in Portsmouth made the shared arrangement unsustainable.

Mr Ward said it had been “a privilege” to serve the Island for the past ten years but felt the council now required a Section 151 officer who could dedicate full attention to the role as the demands of LGR grow.

He added:

“I hope I have made a lasting impact on the council’s financial sustainability and the delivery of public services to residents.

"I look forward to continuing our partnership working in the years ahead.”

A permanent replacement will be appointed following the upcoming recruitment process.