Discussions on the Wiltshire Council budget are set to continue this afternoon with no decision on the amendment put forward by Liberal Democrat councillor Jon Hubbard.

Coun Hubbard has proposed that Wiltshire Council amend the budget to increase council tax by 1.9 per cent in order to protect vital services like the Connect2 bus service linking north and west Wiltshire to the Royal United Hospital in Bath and the green bin collection.

The Liberal Democrat proposal, which is being supported by Labour and some independents, was financially and legally deliverable according to Coun Hubbard.

The increase would mean an increase of 45p aweek for the average household while the budget as it stands would keep council tax frozen.

Council leader Jane Scott said: “At the public meetings only two people, out of 350, raised the idea of increasing the council tax.

“We believe, therefore, that any increase has to be sustainable for future years and would definitely have an adverse effect on those who most need our support.

“We should be proud that we have not increased council tax for the past five years and that throughout this time we have not increased council tax for the past five years.”

Three members of the public spoke out against the cuts proposed in the budget including Green party member Gerrard Byrne.

Despite opposition from councillors, Mr Bryne was allowed to address the council.