A MAJOR shake-up is coming for many council services after a new structure for setting fees and charges was approved.

Wiltshire Council’s cabinet passed the framework at its meeting on Tuesday (December 9), covering a wide range of discretionary services while excluding council tax, business rates, housing rents and parking charges.

It aims to make pricing fairer, clearer and more consistent for residents across the county and outlines how fees are calculated, what factors are considered and how charges are reviewed each year.

Proposals for 2026/27 have already been published but may change slightly following government updates and index adjustments.

Final charges will be confirmed when the council approves its 2026/27 budget early next year.

Residents can expect fees for a broad spectrum of services including:

• Licensing and public protection – from tattoo and piercing licences to zoo applications.
• Waste services – permits for vans and trailers at recycling centres, bulky waste collections and discretionary garden waste.
• Leisure services – fitness memberships, room hire and activity parties.
• Planning services – pre-application advice, building control and local land charges.
• Registration and ceremony services – hiring council venues for weddings and registrar support.
• Highways services – use of council land, street trading fees and EV charging.

Income from these fees helps fund the council’s wider priorities including those set out in its Our Wiltshire Plan and Medium-Term Financial Strategy.

Cabinet member for finance Cllr Gavin Grant said: “Having a clear and consistent approach to setting our fees and charges is essential. This framework ensures our fees are fair, proportionate, represent value for money, and support the delivery of services across Wiltshire.”