A COLLOSAL £6.5 million overspend of Wiltshire Council’s budget has been revealed.

This comes after Wiltshire Council published its first quarterly revenue and capital budget monitoring reports for the 2025/26 financial year.

The overspend, which equates to 1.2% of the council’s £527.420 million budget for this year, has been put down to a rising demand in both adult and children’s services driven by a combination of more people needing complex care.

Changes to employers National Insurance rates and continuing higher levels of inflation have also added financial pressure to the council.

Councillor Gavin Grant, cabinet member for finance, said it is “vitally important” the council monitors its finances against a “very challenging” backdrop of spending pressures.

“Like all local authorities, we are facing increased costs, and we want to balance the books while ensuring we continue to provide high-quality services that everyone deserves,” he said.

“We regularly review projects to ensure spending plans are achievable and funding needs are well understood. This helps inform future budget decisions and supports strong financial planning.

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“We continue to be committed to sound financial management, good value for money and transparency, ensuring that capital investments continue to support vital services and long-term growth across Wiltshire.

“Overall, our strong foundations and forward-thinking approach give us confidence in our ability to deliver a balanced budget and maintain long-term financial resilience.”

The council’s budget includes a savings target of more than £15 million, with the authority saying cost control measures introduced last year remain in place, with further mitigations being implemented to ensure the council continues to deliver high-quality services and provide good value for money while operating within the budget.

Positive financial highlights from the report include a £1.501 million operating surplus on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), successful receipt of National Landscapes grant funding, and the strategic use of reserves to support initiatives in the arts and air quality.

The council is also investing in supported accommodation for care-experienced young people, reducing reliance on costly out-of-county placements.

Cabinet will be asked to approve an earmarked reserve to fund temporary posts overseeing contract management and quality assurance in this area.

The council’s revised capital budget now stands at £245.7m, down from £253.9m when the budget was set.

As of 30 June, £30.2 million has already been invested in key infrastructure and service improvements – approximately 12% of the capital programme.

Key investment highlights from the capital report include:

• £28.5 million of investment in schools and education facilities including £15m on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities facilities
• £44 million investment in the Council House build programme and refurbishment of homes
• In excess of £42 million of investment in highways and footpaths
• Nearly £10 million of continued investment in the A350 Chippenham Bypass
• £21 million in leisure provision

The Quarter One Revenue and Budget reports will be presented at the Cabinet meeting on 16 September.