UNPRECEDENTED public sector cuts, which could lead to three-figure job losses, will push council services back 50 years, a union boss has warned.
And a champion of the elderly on the Island has expressed concern over plans to cut back home care for the elderly as part of proposals to save more than £30 million.
They were responding to details of the latest cuts, which Isle of Wight Council leader Cllr David Pugh predicted could cost more than 100 employees their jobs.
Public sector union Unison’s branch secretary, Mark Chiverton, who acknowledged authorities across the country were facing similar economic problems, said the loss of some non-statutory services, such as museums, events and libraries, would badly affect quality of life.
He also said there was a danger in cutting back office costs if it meant frontline staff were forced to carry out more administrative duties. He said all staff were desperately worried about the future.
"In the next two years we are likely to see an unprecedented level of job losses and service cuts. They will take us back to a level of service provided 50 years ago," he said.
Among other things, the proposed cuts recommend ending universal free home care for the over 80s, in favour of a means-tested scheme operated through personal budgets and targeted at the most vulnerable.
Isle of Wight Age Concern chief officer Jo Dare said: "We would oppose any changes that significantly reduce the quality of life for older people living on the Island. However, we are realistic enough to know that well considered changes have to be made in light of tough budget constraints."
She said they did not oppose targeting resources for those with most needs, but not at the expense of preventative services that stopped people facing crisis situations.
Along with councils across the country, the Island is bracing itself for a 25 per cent reduction in government funding due to be announced in the autumn.
A report, due to go before cabinet on Tuesday, outlines plans to reduce services and staff, to make the savings.
Chief executive Steve Beynon is in discussions with department heads and service managers to establish what services the council must provide and those that can be cut.
Once that process is complete, negotiations will begin with unions about job losses and, in December, Mr Beynon will unveil a proposed structure for the authority, including staff numbers, financial resources and what services will be provided.
Council leader Cllr David Pugh said: "We are going to be a much smaller organisation than we are currently. That is going to mean job losses above the figures we have given."
Around 30 per cent of Island employment is public-sector related and Cllr Pugh said they would look to the government to keep to its commitments surrounding the establishment of social enterprises.
Those enterprises, part of the Conservative 'big society’ vision, would be commissioned by local authorities to provide some services, reducing the bureaucracy and management at County Hall.
Mr Beynon said senior management would not be immune to the cull.
There could also be greater collaboration with the health service and police, to see if joint budgets could be created, further reducing administrative costs and duplication.
Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk