OPPOSITION Isle of Wight Councillors have launched a broadside ahead of this week's budget meeting, claiming the Conservative-led alliance in charge at County Hall plans to blow the £17.5 million Asda cash on 'frivolities.'

Council leader Cllr Dave Stewart, however, said councillors had agreed in July to spend £8 million of the receipt — received when land at St George's was sold to Asda to build its new supermarket.

In October, however, that decision was rescinded and it was agreed the Asda receipt should be left intact for future budget considerations.

Cllr Julia Baker-Smith, leader of the ousted Island Independents, said: "We all agreed the Asda money should be left intact for a rainy day, however now it is raining, it’s raining huge cuts to adult social care, children’s services and other valued services used by Islanders proposed by the Con-UKIP so-called caretakers.

"A small amount of the Asda money could buy us some time this year to keep services running while the council gets back on its feet following years of central government austerity, yet now we are told that money is to be frittered away on frivolous things like refurbishing County Hall and gym equipment."

Spending plans draw up by the Conservative and UKIP alliance, which will lead the council until the May election, include buying gym equipment for leisure centres and replacing windows, lifts and toilets at County Hall.

Other capital schemes include buying and developing Kingston Marina and the Island Technology Park for £1 million, and investing a staggering £100 million in a property acquisition fund.

Labour Cllr Geoff Lumley, who led a working group to consider how the Asda cash should be spent, slammed the administration for spending money that could protect Island people from the effect of Conservative government cuts.

"It shows the complete lack of regard the Tories have for the democratic process on this Island. This is quite frankly an insult to hard working Islanders who are having their council tax put up while paying for running machines and new desks," he said.

Speaking about the decision taken in July, Cllr Stewart said: "We effectively agreed to spend £8 million of the ASDA receipt over two years to support the revenue budget, and the medium term financial strategy has recycled this money so we have the ability to spend it on transformational activities to help sustain the council over the long term.

"Our capital investments propose significant investments in social care and frees up monies for investment and the regeneration of the Island economy — not forgetting the Asda receipt was negotiated by the Conservative administration and only negotiated downwards by the previous administration."

Full council will meet at 5pm on Wednesday to set the budget for the forthcoming year.

Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk