The Wiltshire Council Cabinet met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including securing grant funding for landscape enhancement, the continuation of the Crisis Resilience Fund, and the procurement for M4 Junction 17 improvements. Key decisions were made regarding the approval of grant applications for environmental projects, the transfer of the Crisis Resilience Fund to a new team, and the appointment of a contractor for significant highway improvements.

Landscape Enhancement Initiative in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape

The Cabinet approved a proposal for the North Wessex Downs National Landscape (NWDNL) to apply for and accept multiple grants from the National Grid's Landscape Enhancement Initiative (LEI). These grants, collectively exceeding £1 million, will fund projects across the NWDNL aimed at mitigating the visual impact of electricity pylons while enhancing biodiversity and public access to nature. The NWDNL, hosted by Wiltshire Council, will oversee the projects, which will involve hedgerow planting, woodland creation, grassland restoration, and pond creation. The initiative aligns with Wiltshire Council's Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the national Protected Landscapes Target and Outcomes Framework. Councillor Paul Sample JP, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste, highlighted the project's importance in protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of the area, referencing historical descriptions of the downs by Richard Jeffries and William Cobbett.

Crisis Resilience Fund

The Cabinet approved the transfer of the Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF) from Public Health to the Communities Team, with an annual allocation of £4.4 million for 2026/27 and 2027/28, and £4.6 million for 2028/29. This fund, replacing the Household Support Fund, aims to support low-income households facing financial shocks and build individual and community financial resilience. An additional £783,725 has been secured specifically for rural communities facing hardship due to rising heating oil prices. The proposal also includes the cessation of the council's existing Local Welfare Payment scheme, as its functions will be replicated and strengthened within the CRF. Councillor Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships, Engagement, Libraries, Leisure, Culture, Corporate Services, Governance and Operational Services, emphasised the fund's role in providing a safety net and fostering long-term resilience. The fund will be administered across four components: Crisis Payment, Housing Payment, Resilience Services, and Community Coordination.

M4 Junction 17 Improvements – Contract Award

The Cabinet approved the appointment of a contractor for the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) and construction phases of the M4 Junction 17 Improvements scheme. This significant project, located north of Chippenham, aims to upgrade the junction to accommodate planned growth and improve strategic transport links. The Department for Transport (DfT) has committed up to £26 million in funding, with Wiltshire Council contributing approximately £4.5 million from its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The procurement process, which involved a competitive open procedure, resulted in a preferred bidder based on a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Councillor Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding, highlighted the scheme's importance for economic growth, improved road safety, and the creation of a more reliable transport network. The decision also delegates authority to the Corporate Director of Place to proceed with the construction phase, subject to DfT approval of the Full Business Case.

Other Discussions

During the meeting, several other topics were discussed, including:

• Parking Tariffs: The Cabinet noted the outcome of a review of parking charges and authorised officers to proceed with statutory Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultations on proposed increases to on-street and off-street parking charges, extended operating hours, and aligned Sunday charges.
• Waste Management: A consultation on proposed changes to waste and recycling services, including a move to three-weekly general household waste collections and weekly food waste collections, was discussed.
• M4 Junction 17 Improvements - Procurement Strategy: A detailed procurement strategy document was presented, outlining the options and considerations for procuring the M4 Junction 17 improvements.
• Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2026/27: The Cabinet recommended that Full Council adopt the Prudential and Treasury Indicators, along with the Treasury Management Strategy for 2026/27.
• Reprocurement of Electricity and Gas Purchasing Contract: Approval was sought to award a contract through a Public Sector Framework for the purchase of electricity and gas supplies from April 2027.
• Sexual Health Procurement: Authority was sought to commence a procurement process to secure future sexual health services in Wiltshire.
• School Admissions Policies 2027-28: The Cabinet approved the proposed co-ordinated schemes and admission arrangements for secondary and primary schools for the 2027/28 academic year.
• Wiltshire Council Budget 2026/27 and MTFS Update 2026/27-2028/29: Cabinet recommended to Council the approval of the general fund budget, Council Tax increase, capital programme, and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy. Amendments were made to remove proposed savings for the closure of two Household Recycling Centres and Community Transport Grants.
• Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget Setting 2026/27: The Cabinet recommended to Council the approval of the HRA Annual Revenue Budget, dwelling rent setting, garage rent increases, and the HRA Capital Programme for 2026/27.
• Performance Monitoring Report 2025/26 Q3: Cabinet noted the performance against strategic priorities and the strategic risk summary.
• Community Asset Transfer Request - Kennet & Avon Canal Trust: Approval was given for a 125-year lease of the Trust's HQ building at Devizes Wharf.
• Disposal Update: Cabinet noted progress on capital receipts and approved the sale of freehold interests in five assets.

The meeting also included public participation and questions from members on various issues, including the use of recycling centres, parking charges, police conduct, business rates, and local environmental concerns.