Isle Of Wight Councillors Could Receive Increase In Basic Allowances

Isle of Wight councillors could soon see their annual basic allowance rise to £10,800, under proposals due to be discussed at a full council meeting on Wednesday evening (January 21).

The recommended figure represents an increase of £676 from the current allowance of £10,124 and would take effect from April 1 as part of the Members’ Allowance Scheme for 2026/27.

The rise follows the first full review of councillors’ allowances by the Isle of Wight’s Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) in 25 years.

The panel says the new rate broadly reflects inflation between 2024 and 2026 and aims to ensure the allowance is “neither an incentive nor a deterrent” for people considering standing for election.

In its report, the panel notes that councillors’ allowances have increased by 87% since 2000, while the cost of living has risen by around 136% in the same period.

It adds that the Isle of Wight’s allowance remains broadly in line with other South East unitary councils.

However, the review found that the current make-up of councillors is “not particularly diverse”, with most members being retirees or self-employed.

The panel warns that both the level of allowances and the timing of meetings may discourage a wider range of people from entering local politics.

The IRP says it will continue to monitor the issue following the next local elections in May 2026.