Isle of Wight Council Profile

The Isle of Wight Council is a Unitary Authority with 48 elected members.

the Island covers an area of 147 square miles (38100 hectares) and its coastline is 57 miles long. The Island is a predominantly rural area with the principal town of Newport at its centre and a number of other towns each playing a role in the economy of the Island. The key towns are Ryde, Cowes, East Cowes, Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor and Freshwater. Approximately 50% of the Island is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Island has a population of approximately 133,000 people. Demographically, this features an above average proportion of older residents (approximately one quarter being of retirement age), whilst the proportion of residents from ethnic minority groups is very low (about 1.3%).

The Council spends approximately £85 million per annum of public funds each year on goods and services so achieving value for money is essential. Effective procurement supports the Councils aims and objectives, helping the Council deliver high quality services, which meet the current and future needs of local people.