The Policy, Finance and Resources Committee met to discuss the Local Council Tax Support Scheme, the budget for 2026/27, and a motion to create a report on short stay parking in Ventnor. The committee agreed to consult on the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27, and to refer the Land and Property Asset Disposal Policy to officers for additional amendments, so it can be recommended to Full Council for adoption on 16 July 2025. The committee also received updates on service performance, councillor learning and development, the Local Transport Plan 4, financial monitoring, and local government reorganisation and devolution.

Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27 Consultation

The committee agreed to consult on the Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTS) for 2026/27. The LCTS is a scheme that provides council tax discounts for people on low incomes¹. The proposed scheme includes changes to the income bands and the level of support offered. A consultation will be launched to gather feedback from residents on the proposed changes.

Budget Consultation 2026/27

The committee discussed the budget consultation for 2026/27. The consultation will seek feedback from residents on the council's budget proposals, including potential savings and investment plans. The council is facing significant financial challenges, and is seeking ways to balance its budget while maintaining essential services.

Motion Regarding Parking in Ventnor

Councillor Ed Blake, Conservative Group Leader, proposed a motion calling for a report on the implementation of the Parking Strategy in Ventnor and the implications of converting Central Car Park to a short stay car park.

Councillor Blake argued that Ventnor contravenes the Parking Strategy because it does not have a short stay car park, unlike Ryde. He stated that:

Ventnor also has 8 car parks. Not a single one of them is a short stay offering. This totally contravenes the Parking Strategy and means that people that can't get into one of the very few limited time free spaces are forced into a long stay car park at a minimum charge of £2.05 for an hour. At the moment, Central Car Park is largely full all day with people who have parked up to work within the town and the slightly outside of town centre long stays largely under used.

The committee approved the creation of a report to this committee regarding the implementation of the Parking Strategy and the implications of converting Central Car Park, either in part or in full, to becoming a short stay car park given its close proximity to the shops on the High Street.

Update on Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution

The committee received an update on local government reorganisation and devolution. The government is considering proposals for reorganising local government structures and devolving more powers to local areas. The council is engaging with the government on these proposals to ensure that the Isle of Wight's interests are represented.

Financial Monitoring Draft Outturn 2024/25 & Quarter 1 2025/26

The committee received a report on the council's financial performance for the 2024/25 financial year and the first quarter of 2025/26. The report provided an overview of the council's revenue and capital expenditure, as well as its financial position against budget.

Service Performance and Improvement Q1 (including Annual Complaints Report)

The committee received a report on service performance and improvement for the first quarter of the year, including the annual complaints report. The report provided an overview of the council's performance against key performance indicators, as well as progress on improvement initiatives.

Councillor Learning and Development

The committee received a report on councillor learning and development. The report outlined the training and development opportunities available to councillors, as well as the council's strategy for supporting councillor development.

Committee Workplan

The committee considered its upcoming programme of work. It was highlighted that there would be an update on the budget setting process at the next meeting and that committee members wished to shape this process in discussion with officers over the summer months.