WILTSHIRE Council has reported a sharp turnaround in its finances, moving from a multimillion-pound projected overspend earlier in the year to a small underspend forecast by the end of the financial year.

The council’s latest quarter three financial update, covering the position at the end of December 2025, shows it is now forecasting a year-end underspend of around £245,000.

This marks an improvement of approximately £6.9 million compared with the £6.6 million overspend predicted in the quarter two forecast.

The final outturn will be confirmed at the end of the 2025/26 financial year.

The improvement follows a series of cost-control measures such as tighter management of job vacancies, halting non-essential and discretionary spending and reviewing existing commitments.

The council has also boosted income by maximising grant funding and through improved performance in areas such as planning services, chargeable garden waste collections and leisure services.

Several departments recorded improved financial positions in quarter three, including adult services, children and education, resources, commissioning and information services.

Other areas, such as highways and transport, planning, economy and regeneration, environment and leisure and culture, are forecasting overall underspends.

Despite the positive shift, the council said significant financial pressures remain, including rising demand and costs for care services, higher-than-expected inflation and increased employer National Insurance contributions.

Cabinet member for finance Cllr Gavin Grant said: “It’s vital for the long-term sustainability of the council that we live within our means and deliver value for money.

“I’m therefore pleased to see such a positive turnaround in our year-end financial forecast, which demonstrates that the decisive cost-control actions taken across the organisation are having the intended impact.

“While the picture has improved, significant pressures remain and we are not complacent. We will continue to work vigorously, applying rigour to achieve a balanced position by the end of the financial year, without drawing on our reserves.

“Looking after public money is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I am determined that every pound delivers value for money and supports, and where possible improves, the services residents rely on.”

Cabinet member for finance Cllr Gavin Grant.

The update will be presented to the council’s cabinet on February 3.

The authority has also published its 2026/27 budget proposals, outlining plans to spend £567 million on services, and residents are invited to take part in a public budget webinar on January 28.