Wiltshire Council's 2025/26 budget proposals progress

The recently published proposals revealed plans to spend £37m more on services than last year and collect a 4.5 per cent rise in council tax.

At a meeting on Tuesday, January 28, the scrutiny committee quizzed council leader Richard Clewer and officers on the £527.42m budget.

READ MORE: Budget proposals reveal 4.5 per cent rise in council tax

Cllr Richard Clewer at the scrutiny meeting. (Image: Wiltshire Council) Speaking to attendees, Cllr Clewer reported that Wiltshire Council finds itself in a “good, solid financial position”, but that with an ever-increasing demand, the cost of social care is a “huge challenge” for the local authority.

Although she described the focus to be on a balanced budget for the next financial year, director of finance Lizzie Watkin noted that the future was more uncertain in the face of funding reforms from central government.

She said: “It is a concern for us, in terms of that trajectory.”

The scrutiny committee asked for further clarifications on several points, including SEND transport and social work, with members seeking assurance of the officers’ confidence in the council’s capacity to hit the savings outlined in the proposals.

Chief executive of Wiltshire Council Lucy Townsend said the scrutiny was “really important”.

The budget will go through the cabinet on Tuesday, February 4, before the full council debate on Tuesday, February 25.