FUNERAL live streams, parking tariffs and a restructure of gym staff are some of the areas the Isle of Wight Council is proposing to find money from.
In budget plans, published yesterday (Wednesday), £3 million worth of savings, cuts and income generation need to be found in the authority's finances.
If passed, they will be on top of the proposed 2.99 per cent council tax rise — split between the main bill and adult care.
There are 48 proposals in total.
One could see a charge introduced for the video streaming of funeral services. The fee for the discretionary service, council leaders say, is proposed at the national average level. It is hoped the move will generate £30,000.
Two positions in the Isle of Wight Council's contact centre could be made redundant, saving £25,000.
A staff restructure at council-run gyms has already been completed.
The 1Leisure shake-up has saved £174,700, better reflecting the needs of fitness fans after the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the local authority.
Targeted opening hours and activities could be followed by a further review in the spring.
Other savings, cuts and income generation schemes include:
- Parking tariffs to increase by 10p from July — raising £98,900
- Off-Island care placements for those with complex learning disabilities will be reviewed, with a view to bringing them back — saving £20,000
- Wightcare costs will be increased by more than 13 per cent, in some areas — raising £101,000
- Reducing the Fort Victoria operations budget, while looking at new ways of making money — cutting £5,000
- Statutory registration fees (for births, marriages etc) will increase by three per cent — making £4,000
- Minibuses for some home to school transport and eligibility of SEND pupils will be reviewed — saving £29,000
- A 'new way of working': Cutting office costs, mileage and expenses — saving £101,900
The leading Alliance group's proposals will be considered by the scrutiny committee and cabinet members over the next few days, ahead of a final vote on February 23.
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