Proposed 45% Council Tax Rise In Newport And Carisbrooke Sparks Criticism

Plans for a possible near-45 per cent council tax increase in Newport and Carisbrooke are being criticised, amid concerns about the impact on residents during what’s been described as “very hard times”.

Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council is due to consider its budget yesterday evening (Monday), which would fund a range of local services, facilities, community events and improvement projects.

If approved, the proposed precept would rise from £100.27 to £144.88 a year for Band D households — an increase of 44.78 per cent.

Pan and Barton councillor Geoff Brodie has spoken out against the plans, saying the council appears to have forgotten how difficult things remain for many Islanders, particularly those in the most hard-pressed areas.

He urged councillors to reject the proposals and instead set any increase in line with inflation, currently around 3.75 per cent.

The draft budget acknowledges financial pressures faced by residents, setting aside £10,000 to help alleviate poverty and increasing funding for the Pan Together money management advice service by £2,000.

It also aims to keep community events free and accessible.

Proposed spending includes parks and recreation grounds, play areas, allotments, public toilets, school crossing patrols, youth services, community grants, major events and targeted improvement schemes.

Cllr Brodie also raised concerns over budget items including a 23 per cent rise in staff costs, £50,000 earmarked for work at Victoria Recreation Ground and a £60,000 contingency fund.

The community council says the increase would amount to around 86p per week for Band D properties, noting most homes in Newport and Carisbrooke fall into lower tax bands and would therefore pay less.

It says the funding is needed to maintain and expand valued local services.

Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council meets at 64 High Street at 6pm this evening.