4.5% council tax rise approved in “cattle market” council meeting

By Local Democracy Reporter Jessica Moriarty

Wiltshire Council’s budget plans for 2025 – 26 have been approved by the full council, with a net general fund budget of £527.420m.

The meeting lasted over seven hours and saw party leaders clash amid what was described as a “cattle market” atmosphere ahead of May’s local elections.

Both proposed amendments to the Conservative budget failed to pass the vote, which means that residents should see a 4.5 per cent rise in the Wiltshire Council element of council tax.

This rise is lower than previous years, something which the leader of Wiltshire Council, Cllr Richard Clewer, said has been achieved through focusing “relentlessly on prevention” and the “integrity to take difficult decisions.”

He praised a “hugely successful last four years” for Wiltshire Council, whilst his cabinet listed achievements such as high ratings for adult social care, SEND, and children’s services, reductions in fly-tipping and further investments in highways.

However, some members argued that the lower rise in council tax was linked to upcoming elections.

Speaking at the meeting on Tuesday 25th February, the leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wiltshire Council, Cllr Ian Thorn, claimed the administration was “tired” and “out of ideas.”

He told attendees, “Frankly, I don’t think the 1st of May can come soon enough.”

Independent Cllr Jon Hubbard said, “This is a budget designed not to serve the people of Wiltshire, but to save the skins of those on the Conservative benches.

“It papers over the cracks, kicks the hard choices down the road and avoids doing what is really needed, all in the hope it will get them through May’s elections.”

Cllr Hubbard was unsuccessful in convincing the council to vote for both his amendments to the budget, the first being a proposal for free swimming for children during school holidays and the second being an increase in Wiltshire Reablement Services.

The council’s Conservatives argued that swimming is taught as part of the national curriculum and that the local authority is already providing support for families that struggle financially, as well as sending extra money into reablement.

Cllr Edward Kirk said, “We are sending a message now, as has been highlighted, that we don’t need any more money because we can set the precept at 4.5 per cent, and that seriously does concern me.”

The Liberal Democrats faced their fair share of criticism for not proposing their own changes to the budget.

Conservative Cllr Jerry Kunkler noted, “I was absolutely gobsmacked that the opposition hasn’t come forwards with any amendments at all.”

Cllr Thorn said, “I cannot see any point in bringing forward amendments to budgets given that we know what the outcome is going to be.”

He confirmed that the Liberal Democrats would present a new budget in July should they win in May.

Meanwhile, Lib Dem Cllr David Vigar expressed concern over what he branded as “vaguely described” targets in the savings schedule.

He said, “I know that the officers will strive to provide the best care they can within the budget, but the budget itself is a political choice and I’m uncomfortable with it, particularly if it doesn’t spell out clearly what the human consequences will be.”

Cabinet member for finance Cllr Nick Botterill reminded him of the previous opportunities Liberal Democrats had to raise concerns in scrutiny meetings.

Tensions continued to rise, with councillors accusing each other of “naivety,” “clinging to power,” “hypocrisy,” and “cowardice.”

Cllr Caroline Corbin compared the jeering to a “cattle market” without “respect.”

Cllr Ricky Rogers, leader of the Labour group on Wiltshire Council, described it as “theatre.”

He said, “You can sling insults and slogans, but you’ve got to give credit where credit is due.”

The budget includes plans to spend £37m more on services than last year, with adult social care accounting for £194m of the total budget.