Budget proposals detailing Wiltshire Council’s clear direction for 2020/21 and its financial strategy for the next five years, have been agreed.
Over the next year, the council will spend around £344 million on over 350 services to ensure it continues to operate on a strong financial base in challenging times.
The council plans, signed off during a full council meeting on Tuesday (25 February), include continued investment in the key day-to-day services the public rely on, such as highways and waste. These plans also aim to ensure the increased demand for adult and children services is met. During the meeting, it was also agreed that council tax will increase by 1.99% with an additional social care levy of 2% on top of that.
Among many other services, the council has confirmed its intention to invest in three of its corporate priorities including: a team to support its climate change programme; installation of new cycle paths and footways; and further support for economic development in South Wiltshire to continue the revitalisation of the area.
There will be a steady growth in Wiltshire Council’s budget of around £10 million per year, rising from around £344 million to £386 million over the next five years. The council is also expected to invest around £800 million in capital projects over the next decade.
To address the budget pressures, council programmes surrounding community responsibility, digital and commercial will continue to explore all options available. There are also a number of central government funding papers in the pipeline, such as the Fair Funding Review, Business Rates Retention and Sustainable Social Care.
Cllr Simon Jacobs, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for finance and procurement, said: “Despite the financial demand and increased pressures all local authorities are facing, we continue to be an ambitious and forward-thinking council.
“As a council, we have always delivered a balanced budget and we’re proud to be able to continue to invest in key services that strengthen our communities. We are investing in the vital day-to-day services that people rely upon, ensuring adults and children continue to get the care support they need. We're also looking at digital and commercial opportunities, as well as tackling the carbon issue head-on.
“Of course, we are very mindful of the continuing challenges, but we have always planned carefully and are in a strong position to react effectively to any issues that may come our way.”
For more information please contact the Wiltshire Council communications team via email: communications@wiltshire.gov.uk
For political comment:
Conservatives: Simon Jacobs simon.jacobs@wiltshire.gov.uk
Liberal Democrats: Ian Thorn ian.thorn@wiltshire.gov.uk
Labour: Ricky Rogers ricky.rogers@wiltshire.gov.uk
Independent: Ernie Clark ernie.clark@wiltshire.gov.uk