Plans to increase the amount of help vulnerable Isle of Wight residents get with paying their council tax bills have moved a step closer — but only after a so-called 'get out clause' was removed from the wording of a motion.
A five per cent increase in the Isle of Wight Council's local council tax support scheme (LCTS), from 65 per cent to 70 per cent, won't go ahead just yet though.
First, the authority needs to make sure it can afford it. The final proposal will go before full council next month, as councillors set the budget for the forthcoming year.
Cllrs Ian Stephens, Andrew Garratt and Geoff Brodie were among those who voiced support for the rise at a meeting last night.
But Cllr Brodie asked for the wording 'subject to it being affordable' to be removed from the motion.
He said he did not want it to be a 'get out clause' for the council as people rely on the support.
In response, Cllr Chris Jarman, Cabinet member for finance, said: "You have my assurance that we respect and recognise those less fortunate then ourselves.
"It is not a get-out clause in the sense that I will use it come what may.
"But I do need that ability at the end of the day that if I cannot close the gap I may need to withold the items.
"This is a sign of just how desperate the situation has become."
An amendment to change the wording was approved by 24 votes to six, with three abstentions.
It was also agreed that current support payments, including a potential rise in welfare benefits and Homes for Ukraine money, should not impact LCTS entitlement, ensuring more Islanders are eligible.
The LCTS scheme was first introduced ten years ago but the amount of support has reduced, and the council says, debt has increased.
Increasing the scheme level by a further five per cent would cost the authority nearly £360,000.
A final decision is to be made next month, when the council sets its budget.
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.