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Budget Meeting Set To See Isle Of Wight Council Tax Hike - And Online Funeral Charge

A near three per cent rise in council tax and a new charge to watch funerals online - that's what's on the cards as councillors prepare to vote on budget proposals.

How the local authority intends to spend its cash for the forthcoming year will be top of the agenda tonight (Wednesday).

As well as a proposed a 2.99 per cent hike in council tax, the ruling Alliance administration wants to put introduce a new £55 pounds charge to stream funerals online.

As part of its plans, the group is proposing increasing Wightcare costs by 13 per cent in some areas.

It also intends on spending forty million pounds on capital projects, including setting up a new housing company. Those plans are recommended for approval. 

The council has forecasted savings of £3 million for 2022/23, and £6 million over the next three years. You can see the Alliance group's proposals here.

Alternative budgets will also be presented. 

Flood defences, an anti-poverty strategy and more money for affordable housing are some of the alternative ideas put forward by opposition councillors.

The Full Council meeting gets underway at County Hall from 5pm. 

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