Isle Of Wight MP Explains Budget Vote After Funding Row

Richard Quigley has explained why he voted against the Isle of Wight Council budget last week, amid growing criticism over government funding for the Island.

The Labour MP said he could not support a financial plan that includes £6 million of cuts to council services, despite the authority holding around £28 million in reserves.

Mr Quigley said he instead backed an alternative budget proposed by councillor Geoff Brodie, which would have used some of the council’s reserves to protect services and avoid introducing parking charges.

The budget that was eventually approved includes a 4.99 per cent council tax increase, an additional £14.8 million for adult social care and £3.9 million for children’s services.

Plans for higher car parking charges and a proposed new charge for under-19s using the Cowes Floating Bridge were also dropped following amendments supported by councillors.

Financial plans for the 2026/27 year also include £12.9 million in government Exceptional Financial Support.

Mr Quigley said the Island’s finances were already under pressure after what he described as years of funding reductions under previous governments.

He argued the council had missed an opportunity to take a different approach and use reserves to avoid cuts.

However, Conservative group leader Ed Blake said councillors faced a stark choice when deciding on the budget.

He warned that following the alternative approach backed by Mr Quigley and Cllr Brodie could have placed the council at serious financial risk and potentially pushed it towards bankruptcy.

Andrew Garratt, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said councillors had opted to support what he described as a responsible budget that would allow the council to continue operating without risking a formal financial crisis.

He also criticised the government’s latest funding review, saying it had left the Island in a more difficult position financially.

Meanwhile, council leader Phil Jordan said he understood the frustration many Islanders feel over the financial pressures facing the authority.

Cllr Jordan said he supported the alternative proposals because they would have avoided the £6 million in cuts, protected jobs and prevented new service charges.

He argued it would have been better to use money already held in reserves rather than borrowing £12.9 million from government, which would create future debt and repayment costs.