Each year the Council must set a balanced budget, which sets out its spending and investment plans and how its services will be funded. The budget must also take account of new cost pressures as well as making sure all services are as efficient as possible.

The Council’s budget setting process is happening now, and residents’ views are vital ahead of key decisions being taken.

The draft budget will be presented to the meeting of the Town Council on Monday, 24 November 2025. The budget will be finalised at the meeting of the Town Council early in 2026.

The Council serves your community so be sure to have your say.

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* 1. COUNCIL'S PRIORITIES
Every year the council needs to prioritise the provisions, services, and activities it provides. How do you think the council should prioritise these?

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* 2. COMMUNICATION
The council thinks about how it communicates with residents on an ongoing basis. There are costs and staffing implications to increasing communication beyond the website, basic Facebook page and editorial contribution to the Sandown Guide. Do you think the council should increase its communications budget and staffing to support communication?

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* 3. COMMUNITY WELLBEING INITIATIVES.
Sandown is one of the most deprived areas on the Isle of Wight. As such changes to Central Government support with rising household bills significantly impacts the residents of Sandown.

Warm Spaces are free community venues where people can go to stay warm during the colder months and, to reduce isolation within the community and are now run all year.

Breakfast at the Bay School provides Healthy Breakfasts to support children to achieve and thrive, while supporting teachers and school staff in their work. It also supports families financially by reducing the costs of living.

  £6,000 £4,000 None
Do you support funding a Warm Space in Sandown
Do you support funding Breakfast at the Bay School

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* 4. PLACE AND TOWN IMPROVEMENTS.
The Council has a budget for town improvements. In 2025/2026 it has used these monies to match a grant for wooden activity equipment and carved benches at Los Altos, install a mural at Eastern Gardens, replace benches along culver parade, support the creation of a Bay business association, address empty Highstreet rental units, and provide summer skate boarding sessions and a youth artworks project. If the monies are not spent, they are allocated to Civic Space budget lines or carried forward into the next year.

To continue to deliver projects supporting the Bay Place Plan and Regeneration, what do you think would be an appropriate level of funding for Sandown Town Council to budget for these types of activities:

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* 5. BEACH.
The beach is a key feature in the town. The local beach safety service had its fourth successful season this year and the council has supported the inshore lifeboat and installation of buoys in the Bay. There is a Changing Places facility and accessible matting on the beach during the summer season. Do you believe funding should be allocated to the beach for:

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* 6. Cleaning Up Sandown
Litter, dog fouling, graffiti and other similar issues have a negative impact on the town and its residents. The Town Council does not have a statutory responsibility to address these issues but can contribute towards the Isle of Wight Council provision. Do you support the Town Council funding:

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* 7. CIVIC SPACE.
The council has funded the planting and watering of the hanging baskets on the highstreets and supports Sandown Green Towns Volunteers. The Council also contributes towards the Isle of Wight Council’s maintenance of Ferncliff Gardens and the Cliff Path hedges. Do you support the council continuing to fund these provisions?

Art Installations and Urban Acupuncture have been proven to help strengthen community bonds and drive economic growth. Do you support the council putting monies aside for any of there?

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* 8. EVENTS.
Community events help bring members of a community closer together and enhance mental well-being. Which events do you think the Council should support?

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* 9. PUBLIC TOILETS.
The Council’s three toilet sites have now been replaced with new facilities. Charging was introduced to reduce vandalism and offset the cost to Sandown residents of running the toilets. No profit is made from charging for use.

The council wishes to ensure the charging policy is in line with resident’s views. Do you support:

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* 10. COMMUNITY BENEFIT SOCIETY
Derelict buildings and sites and a declining Highstreet are a significant issue for Sandown. In other areas of the country, local people are setting up Community Benefit Societies (CBS), legal organisations run by the community, designed to operate on a not-for-profit basis for the benefit of the community as a whole.

Do you support the council investing in a Community Benefit Society for Sandown if one is set-up.

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* 11. NEW INITITIVES
Do you support the Council using staffing resource to explore the following for the 2027-2028 financial year:

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* 12. SECTION 106 OF THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990
Section 106 monies are paid by developers to offset the impact of developments on the community. They are used to fund infrastructure, services, or facilities which can include affordable housing, new education or community buildings, transport, and green spaces, providing long-term benefits for the surrounding area. The contribution will vary depending on the development’s size, location, and local needs. The development of the Sandham Middle School site will likely trigger an s106 contribution.

What possible projects do you think should be considered:

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* 13. COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS.
The town council would welcome any other ideas or suggestions you may have:

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