Key Points
- Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council (NCCC) is considering a 44.78 percent increase in its council tax precept, rising from £100.27 to £144.88 annually for Band D properties.
- The proposal, under review at a meeting on Monday, 9 February 2026, funds local services including parks, play areas, allotments, public toilets, school crossing patrols, youth provision, community grants, events, and improvement projects.
- Draft budget signed by Cllr Andrew Garratt allocates £10,000 to alleviate poverty and £2,000 to Pan Together money management service.
- Former NCCC chair and Independent Socialist Cllr Geoff Brodie criticises the hike amid “very hard times” for residents, urging rejection for an inflation-linked rise of 3.75 per cent.
- Budget highlights include £49,000 staff cost increase (23 per cent rise), £50,000 for Victoria Recreation Ground, and £60,000 contingency fund.
- NCCC notes the rise equates to 86 pence weekly for Band D, less for lower bands, to sustain and extend services.
- Ryde Town Council’s Cllr Phil Jordan referenced Newport’s “50 per cent” proposal during their own 7.5 per cent budget approval on 3 February 2026.
Newport (The Wales Times) February 9, 2026 – Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council faces backlash over a proposed 45 per cent precept hike amid financial pressures on residents, with the budget decision set for tonight’s meeting funding essential local services.
What Is the Proposed Precept Increase for Newport Residents?
The draft budget proposes a 44.78 per cent rise in the NCCC precept, increasing the Band D charge from £100.27 to £144.88 per year. This equates to an additional 86 pence per week for Band D properties, with lower bands paying less, as noted in the NCCC draft budget paper.
As reported by the Isle of Wight County Press, the council aims to fund a wide range of services including provision and maintenance of parks, recreation grounds, play areas, allotments, public toilets, school crossing patrols, youth provision, community grants, major events, and targeted improvements.
Why Is Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council Proposing This Budget?
The budget addresses resident financial challenges, setting aside £10,000 for poverty alleviation and ensuring free community events, per the draft signed by Parkhurst and Hunnyhill Cllr Andrew Garratt. It also boosts funding to £2,000 for Pan Together money management advice.
The NCCC paper states: “The council remains concerned about the number of residents facing significant financial challenges. The budget therefore sets aside £10,000 towards alleviating poverty, alongside ensuring that community events continue to be free and accessible to all.” Further: “Approval of the budget will ensure that valued local services, facilities, and community support can continue to be delivered. The increase represents a desire by the council to invest in the services it currently provides and to extend those for the benefit of all who live, work and visit our area.”
Who Is Criticising the 45 Per Cent Precept Hike?
Pan and Barton county councillor Geoff Brodie, a founder member of NCCC and five-time former chair who retired last May, has condemned the plans. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Cllr Brodie said: “It seems that financial common sense has deserted the community council since I left” and urged rejection of the leadership’s proposals.
Cllr Brodie added: “In the past we very occasionally increased the precept significantly after wide public consultation and for tangible benefit to residents. But in the main, increases, particularly in recent years, have been contained at inflation levels. However, the community council seems to have forgotten that times are still very hard for most residents, particularly mine in the most hard-pressed area of the Island. Imagine the outcry if your council tax also went up by 45 per cent? I urge them to reject the proposals of their leadership, some of which offer little tangible benefit to residents and to set a precept at a percentage increase in line with inflation, currently running at just 3.75 per cent. Please show residents some respect.”
He highlighted provisions like a 23 per cent staff costs rise of £49,000, £50,000 for Victoria Recreation Ground work, and a £60,000 contingency fund.
When and Where Will the Budget Be Decided?
NCCC will consider the proposal tonight, Monday, 9 February 2026, at their meeting. OnTheWight referenced it in Ryde Town Council’s coverage, noting the Monday meeting for the 45 per cent proposal.
How Does This Compare to Other Isle of Wight Council Budgets?
Ryde Town Council approved a 7.5 per cent precept rise on 3 February 2026 for a £1.85 million budget, as detailed by OnTheWight. Cllr Phil Jordan remarked post-vote: “We’ve done the right thing for this council and therefore for our community. For those that wanted a different outcome…we’ve increased it nine pence a week more than what your preferred option is. I’ve heard Newport are proposing 50 per cent.”
Ryde’s Budget One included increases for Network Ryde youth service (£339,886, up £79,367.92), Ryde Marina (£178,396.96, up £23,345.96), and grants (£13,500), with decreases in administration (£344,600, down £29,373.94). Cllr Lou Temel opposed due to deficit concerns, Cllr Ian Dore sought cost reductions, and Cllr Chani Courtney supported for stability.
Past NCCC budgets show moderation: 5.1 per cent in 2024/25 (Band D £95.42), 1 per cent in 2023/24 (effective -0.1 per cent).
What Services Would the Increased Precept Fund?
Proposals cover parks and recreation grounds maintenance, play areas, allotments, public toilets, school crossing patrols, youth provision, community grants, major events, and improvement schemes. The budget sustains free events and adds poverty relief.
Is There Public Reaction to the Newport Precept Proposal?
Cllr Brodie invoked resident hardship in “very hard times,” calling for inflation-linked increases. No direct public consultation mentioned in the draft, unlike past significant hikes under Brodie. Ryde’s consultation saw 68 per cent support for youth service funding via tax rises.
What Happens If the Budget Is Approved?
Band D taxpayers face £44.61 more annually (86p weekly), enabling service continuity and expansion. NCCC emphasises benefits for lower-band majority properties.
This proposal highlights tensions between service investment and taxpayer burden on the Isle of Wight, where councils navigate inflation (3.75 per cent cited) and resident pressures. Broader context includes Ryde’s milder rise, underscoring varied local approaches. The outcome tonight could set precedent for community council fiscal policy amid economic strains.
