Wiltshire Councill leader criticises absence at cabinet meeting

Conservative leader Cllr Richard Clewer expressed his surprise to see that no members of the opposition were in the council chamber on Tuesday, February 4, for a meeting with budget monitoring and proposals at the top of the agenda.

Cllr Clewer said he was disappointed by this absence, whilst the leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wiltshire Council, Cllr Ian Thorn, has argued that he must “earn a living”.

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There were many empty seats in the council chamber. (Image: Wiltshire Council) Attendees were told that the current revenue budget is forecast to overspend by £1.749m by the end of the 2024/25 financial year.

Director of finance Lizzie Watkin noted that she was “confident” that this position would be “managed”.

Referring to Liberal Democrats’ absence, independent Cllr Graham Wright described it as an “opportunity missed” to discuss the budget proposals for 2025/26 before the full council meeting at the end of the month.

This full council meeting on Tuesday, February 25, will be the opposition’s last chance to speak on the budget before the vote.

Cllr Clewer said: “Frustratingly, full council has an air of pantomime to it when we set the budget.

"This is an opportunity in cabinet for a more adult discussion." 

He added: “It is critical that these kind of reports get proper scrutiny and challenge.”

When approached by the Local Democracy Reporter for comment, Cllr Thorn said: “I was disappointed to miss today’s cabinet.

“Sadly, unlike most of the cabinet I have to earn a living and therefore couldn’t attend.

“I am touched that my presence was missed and my contribution apparently valued, although it’s something I’ve rarely felt at any cabinet meeting I have attended.”

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Regarding the budget itself, Cllr Thorn has also confirmed that the Liberal Democrats do not intend to propose amendments at the full council meeting.

He explained: “If we take control in May, we will be presenting a Liberal Democrat budget at the July council meeting, along with a new council plan to replace the Conservative business plan.”

Cabinet's budget proposals for 2025/26 show plans to spend £37m more on services than last year, with a proposed budget of £527.42m, compared to last year’s £490m.

A 4.5 per cent rise in council tax has also been suggested, with a 2 per cent adult social care levy that would raise £7m to help with the demand for adult social care, which accounts for £194m of the budget.

Other areas of significant spending would include £75m on families and children, £43.4m on transport, £49.5m on the environment (including waste), and £38.08m on education and skills.