A crunch meeting next week could see the leadership of Wiltshire Council challenged as councillors prepare to debate budget and council tax plans.
At Full Council on Tuesday 24th February, members will consider the Liberal Democrat administration’s proposed 2026/27 budget, setting out £567 million in spending alongside a proposed 4.99% council tax increase. The rise, made up of a 2.99% general increase and a 2% adult social care levy, would take a Band D charge to £1,981.15, an increase of about £1.81 per week.
The administration, led by Cllr Ian Thorn, says the plan focuses on meeting growing service demand without using reserves and includes £260 million in capital investment in infrastructure such as roads, housing and social care.
Proposed spending highlights include:
- £15 million for road resurfacing and pothole repairs
- £27 million for housing delivery
- £13 million towards a leisure centre in Trowbridge
- £10.8 million for the A350 Chippenham bypass
Major service areas funded in the revenue budget include adult services (£191.5m), children and families (£75m), and environment and waste (£49.6m).
However opposition councillors from the Conservative Party have put forward an alternative budget, arguing it would deliver greater long-term financial stability, reduce borrowing and generate additional savings while protecting frontline services. Their proposals will also be considered at the meeting.
Alongside the budget debate, councillors will consider a formal motion of no confidence in Cllr Thorn’s leadership. This motion would be debated if the administration’s budget is not approved. If passed, Cllr Thorn would be removed as leader immediately and a replacement elected at the same meeting.
The upcoming debate follows recent political tensions involving Cllr Thorn locally, including a vote of no confidence last month by Calne Town Council amid concerns over his dual roles as Mayor of Calne and Leader of Wiltshire Council and attendance at meetings. Cllr Thorn survived that by eleven votes to five with one abstention.
Wiltshire Council’s Full Council meeting is scheduled to begin at 10.30am on Tuesday 24th February.
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