Key decisions were made at the Isle of Wight Council’s latest meeting which could affect house-building potential and the Island's most vulnerable.
In the authority’s first full meeting of the year, elected members gathered in Newport ahead of the crucial budget-setting meeting in February.
One decision members made which could affect the budget is whether to increase the amount of support given to those on the local council tax support scheme (LCTS).
Currently those on the scheme, only pay 35 per cent of their council tax bill but it was recommended a further 5 per cent of help be offered.
The move would cost the authority £360,000 more, and concerns over the council’s dire financial position raised question marks over whether it could go ahead.
Assurances were made by the ruling Alliance administration that they would do all they could to bring the help forward but needed flexibility if any funding gaps could not be closed.
Another delay to the Island’s major planning strategy was approved by councillors to await changes being implemented by the government.
However, some people cautioned it was just pushing the plan back further leaving the council exposed to government sanctions.
There were calls the plan should be back by July at the latest.
Members also asked questions about the council’s efforts to build or purchase affordable housing for Islanders in the last year.
It was heard the authority purchased four one-bed flats and a fifth one was in the process of being bought.
After his recent death, tributes were paid to former Conservative councillor and chair of the IW Council, Arthur Taylor.
It was said Mr Taylor was a true gentleman who served his community very well.
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