THE 'Covid factor' has made the Isle of Wight Council's budget the most difficult one of recent years, council leader Dave Stewart said today.
Households will face a 4.99 per cent increase in council tax, if the proposed budget is approved on February 24.
The budget is on target with £4.5 million of savings and is the required 'lawful and balanced' — but has been created without the 'Island Deal' the council has been long chasing government for.
The council tax increase includes three per cent which is going towards adult social care across the Island.
Other areas to benefit will be coastal defences, schools, Branstone Farm development, disabled facilities, highways, IT infrastructure and the ability to make compulsory purchase orders.