The Isle of Wight's Alliance Group insists its 2023/24 budget, which will see prices go up at Dinosaur Isle, job roles cut and parking become more expensive, is the 'harsh and stark reality' of what it calls 'persistent, irresponsible austerity measures from Conservative central Government.'

The latest raft of cuts and savings has been published by the Isle of Wight Council's leading group, ahead of a crunch meeting on February 22, when final decisions need to be made.

The group says it is facing 'extraordinary budget pressures.'

It says it has done all it can to prevent bankruptcy, warning damage to the Island would be severe.

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Isle of Wight County Press: Leader of the Isle of Wight Council and councillor for Cowes Medina ward, Lora Peacey-Wilcox.

Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox, leader of the Isle of Wight Council.

The war in Ukraine and austerity have put it in its current position, says the Alliance Group.

In a statement, it said: "We either fight and represent our residents' interests and needs, or hand it over to central Government to manage the finances."

The group called it the most difficult budget ever experienced by County Hall, arguing there is £93m less to spend now than compared to a decade ago.

Isle of Wight Council leader, Lora Peacey-Wilcox, said: "The Alliance Group has had a strong focus on understanding and coming to terms with the many challenges the Council faces, so it can deliver a positive future for the Island and its community. 

"The Council has a distinct legal responsibility as a ‘place leader’ under the Local Government Act.

"Because we are an island, that responsibility is even greater as we do not benefit from a neighbouring authority's support of the economy for example through the provision of jobs or housing.

"The ongoing failure of Government to treat the Island differently, compromises our ability to provide that hope.

"We just ask that in doing so people pause to think about why we have to produce a budget like this and consider what the alternative might be?"

Isle of Wight County Press:

Councillor Chris Jarman, Cabinet member for Strategic Finances said: "Through our sound management, we have been able create a legal and lawful budget.

"Others in the same position have failed. Local Councils, including Croydon, Thurrock and Slough, issued a Section 114 Notice, effectively declaring bankruptcy.

"Surrendering to the situation, as other authorities have had to do, was an unthinkable betrayal of those we represent."

Councillor Ian Stephens, Deputy Leader of the Isle of Wight Council said: "We can only act within the boundaries set by Westminster.

"As has been the case for many years, they restrict what we can do and seemingly try to make it as difficult as possible for local councils to survive.

"We are the ones responsible for looking after Children, Adult Social Care, Education, Waste Collections and so on."

"We have managed to avoid cuts to Adult Social Care Support, Leisure Centres and Libraries.

"We have been able to honour our undertaking to increase Council Tax Support."