Amendments to Wiltshire Council’s draft budget could add a further 0.49 per cent rise to council tax.
These budget amendments have been put forward by Independent Cllr Jon Hubbard and would see an increase in Wiltshire’s reablement services, as well as free swimming for children during school holidays across facilities run by Wiltshire Council.
Presenting his proposals at the overview and scrutiny management committee meeting on Thursday, February 13, Cllr Hubbard said the changes could be made for “less than the cost of a cup of coffee per month”.
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Wiltshire Council’s draft budget already includes a 4.5 per cent rise in council tax for 2025/26, which means £1.56 extra per week for those in a Band D property.
To fund the free swimming amendment, Cllr Hubbard is suggesting an extra 0.115 per cent increase, which translates to £2.03 per year for a Band D property.
In addition to this, the increase to Wiltshire’s reablement services would require a 0.375 per cent in council tax, equating to £6.82 per year for a Band D property.
Cllr Hubbard said: “Encouraging physical activity among young people is vital.
“National and local studies show a decline in physical activity levels, particularly among children from lower income families.
“Swimming is a crucial life skill and access to free sessions ensures that all young people, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to stay active.
“Free swimming provides structured, healthy activities during school holidays, reducing social isolation and supporting mental wellbeing.”
Regarding the reablement services, he added: “Reablement services are a proven, cost-effective approach to supporting people to regain their independence after illness or hospital stays.
“The evidence is compelling.
“91 per cent of those who receive reablement remain well in their own homes three months after discharge.
“This reduces pressure on social care and prevents long-term dependency on costly services.
“The additional investment would provide 450 hours of support per week and expand access to therapy which is a crucial element of the reablement model.
“And expanding reablement now will prevent higher costs in the future.
“As demand for adult social care rises, investment in preventative measures like reablement is one of the most effective ways to manage long-term financial pressures.”
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Cllr Hubbard concluded: “For less than the cost of a cup of coffee per month we can give children access to free swimming and expand vital reablement services to help people stay in their own homes longer.”
Conservative Cllr Jerry Kunkler suggested the money could be found through individual area boards, rather than making it a unilateral rise, but congratulated Cllr Hubbard on his proposals.
He also commented on the lack of Liberal Democrat amendments to the budget.
The leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wiltshire Council, Cllr Ian Thorn, has already confirmed that his group do not intend to propose amendments this year, with plans to present a new budget if they take control in the May elections.
The leader of Wiltshire Council, Cllr Richard Clewer, was present at the scrutiny meeting but explained that he was there to listen to Cllr Hubbard’s proposals and would comment upon them at the full council meeting.
Cllr Hubbard agreed: “Today isn’t about politics, it’s not about trying to bash each other.”
The full council meeting is set to take place on Tuesday, February 25, during which members will vote on the overall budget plans as well as any proposed amendments.
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