WILTSHIRE’S draft budget proposals would see £567 million spent on services, alongside a 2.99% council tax increase and an adult social care levy.

The proposals, published this week and now open for public scrutiny, outline a net £40 million increase in spending compared with 2025/26, despite what the council describes as one of the most challenging financial climates local government has faced.

Adult services dominate the draft budget, accounting for £224 million of planned spending, followed by families and children (£79m), environment and waste (£62m), highways and transport (£44m) and education and skills (£41m).

The growing cost of care remains the single biggest pressure.

National Audit Office figures cited by the council show that, nationally, care costs have risen by 96% for only a 10% increase in demand over the past five years.

Particular concern is raised about the High Needs Block, which funds support for children and young people with significant special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Wiltshire forecasts that demand in 2026/27 will exceed government funding by more than £64 million, a gap that continues to widen despite local mitigation.

The council says government funding increases fall short of national averages.

While Core Spending Power is set to rise by 5.7% nationally, Wiltshire’s increase is 4.5%, and just 0.7% when council tax is excluded.

At the same time, inflation and changes to employer National Insurance contributions are adding further strain, with compensation from government not covering the full cost.

To balance the budget, the council is proposing a 2.99% general council tax increase, plus a 2% adult social care levy, raising £7.4 million.

For a Band D household, this would mean an increase of £1.81 per week.

Alongside revenue spending, the council has published a £260 million capital programme for 2026/27, rising to more than £1 billion over future years.

This includes £15 million on highways, £27 million towards house building and just over £12 million maintaining and modernising schools.

Cabinet member for finance Cllr Gavin Grant said: “Our proposed budget is ambitious, sustainable and with a strong focus on providing value for money, while reflecting the values and priorities of this council.

“It strikes the challenging but essential balance of supporting those residents who rely on us the most and continuing to invest in the future of Wiltshire, while operating within a very difficult and uncertain time for local government financing.

“Without meaningful national reform, these challenges will persist.”

A public webinar will take place on January 28 at 6pm, giving residents the chance to question councillors and officers before final decisions are made.

Cabinet will agree final proposals before they are debated by full council on February 24, following further scrutiny by councillors, unions and committees.