Parking Dinosaur Isle and services in Isle of Wight budget plan

The latest raft of cuts and savings have been published today (Wednesday), by the authority's leading Alliance Group, ahead of a meeting by cabinet members.

Scroll down to read them in full...

The group says it is facing 'extraordinary budget pressures' and argues it has not been properly funded by the government.

Read more: Isle of Wight council tax rise of near five per cent on the cards

Nothing is set in stone, yet.

The final decisions must be agreed at a full council meeting and other political groups often submit alternative ideas, which could be passed.

Whatever is agreed, a 4.99 per cent rise in Council Tax looks certain.

A final decision will be made at the Isle of Wight Council's meeting on February 22.

So...what changes will we see on the Isle of Wight if these budget plans are passed?

Parking

• The cost of parking would go up by 25p an hour
• Overnight parking costs would rise
• All-Island parking permits would be 20 per cent more expensive (£10 more per month, or £110 more per year, depending on how you pay).
• 200m parking permits for Isle of Wight residents would cost more
• Tourists would pay more to park 

Staffing

• There would be voluntary redundancies and managed vacancies (focused on areas the Isle of Wight Council isn't required to provide, as well as on back-office support roles)
• The number of traffic wardens will go up, to raise cash
• No more funding for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust's falls prevention co-ordinator
• £150,000 saved in salary when the role of the council's Assistant Chief Executive is cut
• No more external property advice

Services

• The cost of using bereavement services and the registrar would go up
• Parks and cemeteries would not be maintained as regularly

Property​

The Alliance Group plans to move out of Jubilee Stores, on Newport Quay

Travel

The price of the Floating Bridge, between Cowes and East Cowes, will go up for vehicles. The new prices would be £2.50 and £3, depending on what you drive.

Reduction in the concessionary fares for patients travelling across the Solent - though the Alliance Group insists it will have no direct impact on patients themselves.

Pending a final decision, council tax will rise by 4.99 per cent from April — two per cent of which will go specifically to adult social care.

• Read more: Isle of Wight floating bridge out of action for 12 days in March

Families

• Ticket prices will go up at Dinosaur Isle. (The cost of an adult ticket will rise from £6 to £8 and for a family group, it will cost £19 (£2 extra). Children's tickets will cost the same.)
• The book replacement fund for Isle of Wight Council-run libraries will be cut. Ryde Help Centre will no longer be funded (Ryde Town Council is taking it on instead)