Wiltshire Council has approved a 4.5% increase in its share of overall council tax for the upcoming year, falling short of the maximum allowable 4.99%.
The decision, made after an eight-hour debate at County Hall, also greenlights a £37 million boost in spending on essential services.
The Conservative-led council passed the budget with 58 votes in favor, 22 against, and three abstentions. However, the move has drawn criticism from opposition Liberal Democrats, who labeled it "cynical" and accused the administration of strategically delaying further council tax and parking charge increases due to upcoming local elections.
Council Leader Richard Clewer defended the budget, stating, "It is a huge responsibility allocating money for the services that so many people rely on and it's one we take very seriously. Focusing on our finances is a day by day, month by month task and this forensic attention and looking at the bigger picture is the reason why we are in a position where we can continue to invest to improve our county and support residents.
"We have received significantly less grant money from Government and local government as a whole is facing huge challenges that we are certainly not immune to, but our long-term approach rather than quick fixes means we are in a more positive position than many. We are a council that won't be using reserves to plug any budget gaps as this can set off a spiral that is so hard to get out of. We are a council that doesn't need to charge people any more than is necessary in council tax. We are a council that provides a strong safety net for those who need us. And we are a council that can be brave and invest, ensuring Wiltshire is a place that people want to live in, work in, set up business in and visit.
"In playing the long game and putting all our focus and resources in prevention it means that we're at the stage now where that investment in time, money and resource is bearing fruit. This is demonstrated by our recent positive feedback for our adult, children and SEND services, the recognition on the national stage for our innovative enforcement action and our leading Community Conversation programme which is empowering residents to improve their lives. We are spending significant money on our roads, leisure, climate the arts and the infrastructure of the county all while living within our means - something we will strive to maintain."
The £37 million spending increase will raise the council's overall budget from £490 million to £527 million.
However, the council noted it has been affected by cuts and changes to grant schemes, resulting in a £7 million reduction in expected central government funding.
Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Ian Thorn expressed concerns saying: "Tremendously worrying news around potential debts that we face.
"Tens of millions of pounds on issues around young children and learning disabilities, massive pressures around adults and social care - there are real pressures that this council faces.
"It's quite a cynical budget, council tax isn't going up the full amount this year but is due to go up by the full amount next year, car parking charges not going up this year but will be going up next year.
"There must be something important happening this year – it could be the election of course."
The Liberal Democrats chose not to present any amendments, citing the likelihood of rejection by the Conservative administration.
The most significant areas of Wiltshire Council spend in 2025/26 will be:
- Adult services - £194m
- Families and children - £75m
- Highways and transport - £43.4m
- Environment (including waste) - £49.5m
- Education and skills - £38m
The capital programme for 2025/26 has been budgeted at around £253m. It is likely the capital budget will change throughout the year as it's common for time frames on major capital projects to evolve, particularly given the external influences that the council cannot directly control.
Some of the capital spend in 2025/26 will include:
- Council house building and stock refurbishment - £40.5m
- SEND provision including Silverwood school - £28.6m
- Structural maintenance and bridges - £16.2m
- Refurbishment of council housing stock - £15.3m
- Trowbridge leisure centre - £14m (with more budgeted for the next two years)
- A350 Chippenham bypass phases 4 & 5 - £13.9m
- Highways investment plan- £10.4m
- Schools' maintenance and modernisation - £8.1m
- Environmental and waste projects - £8.1m
- Wiltshire Ultrafast Broadband and Wiltshire Online - £1.1m
Want to know what’s on in Calne? Visit our local events page for listings and to find out how to add your own events for free. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news. Have you got a story for us? Email editor@calnenews.com
