RESIDENTS in Salisbury could see two years of council tax increases followed by a three-year freeze under proposals from the city council.

The council plans to raise £6.3 million through its share of council tax for 2026/27, known as the precept.

A Band D property in the city currently pays £382.15 towards the city council’s precept.

The council is proposing a 4.99 per cent rise, or £19.07, for a Band D property, equating to £401.22.

Looking ahead, the council is suggesting a 3.99% increase in 2027/28, followed by a freeze for three years through to 2030/31.

The council says the coming tax increases are necessary to maintain services and meet budget pressures.

New areas of spending noted in the proposed budget and medium-term financial plan include:

• £400,000 to repair Poultry Cross
• £280,000 to renovate and re-open the Market Place toilets
• £200,000 for refurbishing and re-opening Central Car Park public toilets (subject to negotiations)
• £100,000 additional funding towards communities amenities at St Peter’s Place
• £525,000 towards the cost of replacing crematorium equipment
• £250,000 earmarked potential grant-funding of Salisbury Playhouse refurbishment

Budget papers state: “It should be noted that approximately 60% of properties within the city are below Band D, with the most numerous band in the city being Band C.

“Actual parish council tax levels would therefore vary from £267.48 per annum (Band A) to £802.44 per annum (Band H).”

Budget documents warns that if councillors decide to lower the precept, the council will need to identify sufficient savings and additional sources of income.

It could also mean further increases in service fees and charges, stopping or reducing planned services, selling investment properties and significant assets and postponing major projects.

Salisbury City Council has already reviewed its fees and charges for the coming financial year across a range of services, with some remaining unchanged and others increasing to offset rising costs.

Proposed amendments cover cremation services, grazing licences, event charges, Guildhall room hire, market pitch hire and garage rentals.

The public is encouraged to attend the full council meeting on Monday (January 12) at 6.30pm in The Guildhall when the budget will be discussed.

Wiltshire Council is yet to publish its budget proposals for 2026/27.

Police and crime commissioner Philip Wilkinson yesterday proposed a £15 hike for Band D properties – the maximum increase allowed without triggering a local referendum – to help Wiltshire Police maintain progress.

Mr Wilkinson warns that Wiltshire Police remain one of England’s lowest-funded forces and rising costs and a £4.6 million savings target for 2026/27 mean there are “no easy options left”.