Wiltshire residents likely to see council tax rise
Wiltshire Council have proposed a 4.99% increase to council tax
Council Tax in Wiltshire is to rise by 4.99% this year, after Wiltshire Council published its budget proposals for the new year.
Tax for Band D properties is to rise by £1.65 per week, meaning an annual charge of £1,805.73. This includes a 2% levy, which will be spent on supporting adult social care in the county.
The council's plans to make almost £20m of savings (£19.7m), although most of these were approved in last years budget and are a result of higher-than-anticipated inflation.
£4.9m of new savings proposals are included in that total to help the organisation function efficiently in a preventative fashion and ensuring every penny goes as far as it can.
The budget also includes an increase in certain fee's and charges for services such as leisure, planning and garden waste collection, which is going up to £70 per year.
The council say they're committed to working efficiently, by removing vacant posts and reducing agency budgets, while they'll be looking to lease it's empty spaces where possible, in order to making best use of the buildings it owns.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council says this is a budget that supports residents, businesses and communities.
“As a council our ethos is driven by prevention and early help, and favouring the long-term approach, not quick fixes. This is all underpinned by the strong foundation and clear direction our Business Plan provides. That approach is paying dividends, as demonstrated by our recent Outstanding Ofsted grade and consistently balanced budgets.
“Our prudent and preventative way of working doesn’t just ensure we simply maintain services; it means we can invest in our county and communities – from children’s and adult services through to highways and infrastructure.
“We are acutely aware there are still challenges to overcome and savings to be made. Like councils across the country, we receive limited government funding and are impacted by high inflation and energy prices. However, we never assume that central government will provide funding, or that grants will be maintained, so that means we haven’t been left with any unexpected issues or massive funding gaps unlike many other local authorities. However, we know things can quickly change and are always on alert, with our robust financial management putting us in good stead to mitigate such risks.
“Like households, we too are experiencing higher costs but we’re confident our budget proposals will allow us to continue to support residents as much as possible and provide the services they rely on. Proposals such as increasing council tax, although not easy decisions, are necessary in order for us to continue to tackle inflation and deliver quality services."
The council has been watchful of it's spending, although not afraid to borrow for the right purposes - as Cllr Clewer told us earlier this week, as the debt levels of local authorities across the country were revealed.
Under Mr Clewer's leadership, the council's been able to give itself a strong financial position and is forecasting an underspend in 2023/24 of about £634k.
The budget, which covers the next three years, has been set out to not be reliant on using reserve funds to balance the books.
No final decisions have been made on the proposals and they will be discussed and debated at Full Council on Tuesday 20th February.
Various groups, including members, group leaders, trade union representatives and various committees and task groups, will have the chance to view the proposals ahead of that date.