NEWPORT and Carisbrooke residents will have their community council precept frozen from April in recognition of the cost-of-living crisis.

At Monday’s budget council, finance lead Cllr Geoff Brodie proposed a NIL increase in the precept, which was approved overwhelmingly by his colleagues.

This was in contrast to some other Island councils, where precepts have continued to rise.

The Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council (NCCC) precept will remain at £1.74 per week for a Band D household.

Despite the freeze, NCCC says it will continue to provide all existing services, many abandoned by County Hall in the last 12 years – public toilets, school crossing patrols, environment officers, funding the 39 bus route, support for youth services and improving planning enforcement.

It also aims to deliver events that are popular with residents, such as its annual ‘Day of Christmas’ and seasonal lighting of the town centre and Carisbrooke village.

Subject to IW Council continuing its contribution, the current free-hour parking pilot will continue.

Cllr Brodie said: "At Newport & Carisbrooke, we have always tried to be cautious with our residents' money, and it was recognised by everyone this year that we could not justify any increase in expenditure.

“Staff, other leading councillors and myself were able to put together a package for 2023-24 that maintains what we do whilst freezing the overall budget.

“I am sure our residents will be grateful that their local Council understands how difficult household economies are at present."