Consultations and surveys

Floating Bridge consultation

Consultation opens: 14 July 2025

Consultation closes: 22 August 2025 midnight

Island residents, businesses and visitors are being asked to share their views on the future crossing options providing a link between the towns of East Cowes and Cowes via the River Medina.

The current crossing is provided by the Floating Bridge 6 (FB6) which has been in operation since 2017.

The Isle of Wight Council Cabinet agreed in March 2024 to replace the current floating bridge and to develop a new River Medina Crossing Strategy.  This includes an appraisal of all viable options and a full business case and financial assessment.

Working closely with specialist marine, legal and financial experts, a long list of options has been assessed resulting in the following shortlist of options to take forward for public consultation:

1. New vessel option: Replacement existing floating bridge with a new floating bridge (FB7)
2. Modify existing vessel and/or the operational environment option: through a phased approach involving additional control chains and/or tidal flow reduction and/or adding flush thrusters to the existing vessel
3. Do minimum option: Maintain and operate the existing floating bridge with the continued use of the push boat
   

There are cost, time, and service implications for each of these options.

More information is included in the consultation documents

• Download the floating bridge consultation document (PDF, 4MB)
• Download the detailed Options Appraisal (OAR) document (PDF, 4MB)

Your views are extremely important to us and the information you share with us will be used to help inform a report that will be taken to the Isle of Wight Council’s Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee for their decision in October 2025.

We have created a short survey to help you to share your views with us.  The survey can be accessed online by clicking on the link.

• Take part in the Floating Bridge Strategy consultation

Alternatively, you can request a paper copy by contacting us at procurement@iow.gov.uk.

Add 'Floating bridge consultation' to the subject line so we can direct your email

More information about the Floating Bridge Consultation and how you can take part

Help shape the future of your local Healthwatch service

Consultation opens:  16 June 2025

Consultation closes: 11 August 2025

Islanders are being encouraged to take part in a new survey that will help shape how Healthwatch services are provided on the Isle of Wight in the years ahead.

The Isle of Wight Council is preparing to award a new contract for the delivery of this important statutory service, as the current arrangement is due to end on 31 December 2025.

Before that happens, the council wants to hear from local people about what they expect from their Healthwatch service —and how it should be delivered.

What is Healthwatch?

Healthwatch is the independent voice for people who use health and social care services. It listens to the experiences of residents, shares that feedback with those in charge, and helps ensure services are meeting the needs of the community.

From helping someone find the right support for a loved one, to advising on how to make a complaint, or simply passing on praise for a job well done, Healthwatch plays a vital role in making sure local services work for the people who use them.

It also provides clear, accessible information and advice to help residents understand their options and make informed decisions about their care. In some cases, Healthwatch can even recommend that national bodies such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) carry out formal reviews or investigations.

Why your views matter

The council is keen to ensure that the next Healthwatch contract reflects the needs and priorities of the Island’s diverse communities. To do that, they need to hear directly from the people who live here.

Whether you have used Healthwatch before or not, your views are valuable. The survey asks about how you have heard of Healthwatch, whether you have used its services, and how you would prefer to engage with it in future. It also invites suggestions for improvement and gives you the chance to share your own experiences.

How to take part

Paper copies can be picked up at libraries across the Island. It only takes a few minutes to complete, and all responses will be treated in confidence.