Wiltshire Council sets out budget for next financial year

It includes a rise in our council tax - but spending increases in some areas

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 19th Jan 2023

Wiltshire Council's set out its budget for the next financial year - with a proposed 2.99% increase in council tax and a 2% rise in the adult social care levy.

That works out as an extra £1.57 a week for the average Band D property.

The authority say they need to ask for more contributions from taxpayers, amidst the cost of living crisis and rising inflation and high energy costs.

But they're also pledging to increase spending on some council services to 'protect the most vulnerable in society'.

Wiltshire Council's adding £69 million to their service budgets in 2023/24, including:

  • £96 million for mental health, autism spectrum conditions and learning disabilities support services – an increase of £11m
  • £83 million for adult care – an increase of £15m
  • £63 million for families and children – up £2m
  • £48 million for environment, which includes waste and recycling services – an increase of £4m
  • £41 million for highways and transport – up £3m
  • £29 million for education and skills - up £6m

As well as the council tax increase, we can also expect to pay more for leisure activities and garden waste collections.

The authority say they'll be 'making better use of the council’s own buildings and a more streamlined Street Scene service'.

There's also a pay freeze for staff, managed spending on agency workers and a deletion of some vacant posts.

£200 million will be spent on capital projects though. Those will include

  • Salisbury Future High Streets – £7.585m
  • A338 Salisbury junction improvements – £1.261m
  • Fitness equipment for leisure centres – £986k
  • Council house build programme/refurbishment – £30.580m
  • Schools maintenance and modernisation – £8.268m

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said:

“The factors that are currently affecting everyone in their day-to-day lives, such as huge inflation, energy costs, and the cost-of-living crisis, are what we as a council and organisation are facing, too. For a number of years now we have had to overcome eye-watering budget gaps and we believe we have still provided quality services in the face of this. Through sound financial management, having a clear Business Plan which drives everything we do, and always favouring the bigger picture over short-term fixes, we believe we are in a much better place than other local authorities, and that allows us to put forward a balanced budget proposal that sees a financially sustainable council living within its means.

“We don’t make decisions such as proposing an increase to council tax lightly, as we know people are struggling at the moment, but these are necessary choices for us to provide the types of services that people rely on. We are also focusing on transforming and modernising our services to adapt to changing demand and new technology, not simply make cuts. Despite the challenges, we are still planning a significant uplift in spending on services in our county over the coming years. Also through sound financial management we are able to release some of the reserves we have previously set aside to address some of the specific areas of priority inside our Business Plan. Unlike many councils we are not using reserves to balance our books but instead to improve services for the future.

“Wiltshire is a thriving county with a rich and diverse heritage, and we remain focused on doing what is right for it and our communities over the long-term.”

The final decision on the budget is due to be made at a Full Council meeting on February 21st.

Find out more

There's also a chance for residents to learn more about the Wiltshire Council budget, in a public webinar being held on Wednesday 25th January from 5.30pm.

That'll be an online meeting, via the Council's website. |newtab)

People will be able to ask any questions to the meeting, but they have to be submitted in advance, by emailing communications@wiltshire.gov.uk by 24 January.

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