RULING Tories are expected to rubber-stamp a recommendation to freeze council tax for the second year running next week.
The Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet is likely to approve the proposal as part of the 2012-13 budget at their meeting on Tuesday.
The budget will be formally set at the full council meeting on February 29.
The budget papers include a £500,000 programme to upgrade council-run public toilets in key visitor locations and town centres, while there is also a proposed freeze on parking charges for the fourth year running.
Other key elements include a £3 million commitment to enabling Islandwide super-fast broadband, £1 million capital investment in the proposed Solent Ocean Energy Centre to develop tidal power technology and £300,000 to invest in providing employment opportunities for young people.
Around £3 million over nine years will be ploughed into the Destination Management Organisation to attract visitors and £1 million, over two years, bringing forward employment use of ex-SEEDA sites on the Island.
The document also identifies savings of £3.8 million.
Council leader, Cllr David Pugh, said: "Our budget plans continue to focus on making savings in the back offices and through efficiencies, with more than 92 per cent coming from these areas.
"The council will continue to protect frontline services and ensure additional investment goes into key areas wherever possible."
The authority said the proposed budget followed a period of consultation with individual residents, businesses, community groups and town and parish councils.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk