This week in Wiltshire:

Council Faces Crucial Decisions on Local Transport and Environment Policy

Wiltshire Council's Cabinet met on Thursday 8 October 2026, tackling a range of important issues that will shape the county's future. Key decisions included the endorsement of the Our Wiltshire Plan 2025-35 - Annual Report 2026, which outlines the council's progress and future activities, and the approval of a new procurement process for consultancy services. Crucially, the Cabinet also approved the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) project to proceed to tender, a move that promises to significantly boost charging points for electric vehicles across the county. An updated Environment Policy was also endorsed for recommendation to Full Council, signalling a renewed commitment to tackling climate change.

Boosting Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

The approval of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) project marks a significant step towards a greener future for Wiltshire. The project aims to address the critical lack of public charging points for residents who don't have off-street parking, a barrier that currently hinders many from switching to electric vehicles. The plan is to build at least 2,000 new EV charging devices across the county. This ambitious project will be delivered through a 15-year concession contract with a commercial charge point operator. Funding for this initiative comes from a substantial £3.889 million capital grant from the Department for Transport, supplemented by an anticipated £6.111 million in private investment from the operator. The contract will include measures to ensure charging remains affordable for residents and a performance framework to monitor the service. This initiative is vital for supporting the transition to cleaner transport, benefiting both the environment and residents' access to modern, sustainable travel options.

• Cabinet meeting details

Strengthening Financial Oversight and Control

In a move to enhance governance and control over spending on specialist professional services, the Cabinet approved the procurement of a Neutral Vendor to manage consultancy and off-payroll working. This decision is expected to reduce legal and reputational risks associated with these types of contracts. The council estimates it spends around £2.7 million annually on off-payroll and consultant working, and this new arrangement promises to bring much-needed oversight, control, and clearer reporting. The authority for procurement and contract award has been delegated to the Director of Organisational Strategy and Digital, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member. A three-year contract, with a potential 12-month extension, has been approved with a budget of up to £12 million over four years. This measure is crucial for ensuring public money is spent wisely and effectively.

• Cabinet meeting details

Environmental Policy Update

The Cabinet also endorsed an updated Environment Policy for recommendation to Full Council. This policy sets out how the council will mitigate its environmental impacts and has been revised to reflect recent policy changes and emerging climate risks. The council's direct greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) saw a significant reduction of 82.1% since 2019, reaching 2,028 tCO₂e in 2025/26, though this was slightly above the interim target for the year. The report highlighted ongoing work in areas such as decarbonising council buildings and fleet, supporting household energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable transport. This updated policy is a critical component of Wiltshire's commitment to tackling the climate emergency and ensuring a sustainable future for the county.

• Cabinet meeting details

Area Boards Focus on Community Funding and Local Priorities

Several Area Boards convened recently, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting local communities and addressing neighbourhood-specific needs. The Melksham Area Board met on Wednesday 7 October 2026, approving funding for various community projects and reviewing highway improvement schemes. The Corsham Area Board was scheduled to meet on Thursday 8 October 2026, with a packed agenda including numerous grant funding requests for local initiatives, partner updates, and discussions on local priorities. Similarly, the Marlborough Area Board, scheduled for Tuesday 6 October 2026, was set to discuss new funding opportunities, road safety initiatives, and local priorities, alongside reviewing grant applications.

Melksham Area Board Supports Local Projects

The Melksham Area Board allocated significant funding to local initiatives. The board considered several applications for Community Area Grants, including requests for an audio-visual system for Shaw Village Hall, a trampoline for Steeple Ashton Recreation and Community Development Group, and upgrades for Steeple Ashton Village Hall. Young People Grants were also a focus, with applications from 4Youth South West for youth work and counselling services. The board also noted previous awards made for summer activities for young people with SEND and for supporting youth boxing. The meeting also reviewed recommendations from the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG) for various road safety and traffic management projects across the area.

• Melksham Area Board meeting details

Corsham Area Board Reviews Community Grant Applications

The Corsham Area Board was scheduled to consider a wide array of grant funding requests. Applications included support for a new website for Pound Arts Trust, relaying the cricket wicket at Corsham Cricket Club, and installing solar panels at Colerne Rugby Club. Funding was also sought for the Corsham Churches Foodbank and WCA, and for youth programmes focused on wellbeing and digital empowerment. The board was also set to receive updates from key partners, including Wiltshire Police, and discuss local priorities and highway improvements.

• Corsham Area Board meeting details

Marlborough Area Board Explores New Funding and Road Safety

The Marlborough Area Board was scheduled to review new funding opportunities, including the Wiltshire Community Lottery and the Wellbeing Fund. The meeting also included a review of funding recommendations from the Local Highway and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG) for several road safety and traffic management schemes in the Marlborough area. Grant applications for projects such as expanding table tennis participation and supporting individuals with Parkinson's disease were also on the agenda.

• Marlborough Area Board meeting details

Audit and Governance Committee Reviews Financial Health

The Audit and Governance Committee was scheduled to meet on Tuesday 6 October 2026 to review a range of financial and governance matters. The agenda included updates on external and internal audits, risk management, and the council's financial management review. Discussions were also planned regarding the governance of the Stone Circle companies and the progress of actions identified in the Annual Governance Statement. These reviews are essential for ensuring the council operates with integrity and manages public funds responsibly.

• Audit and Governance Committee meeting details

Other matters

The Schools Forum was scheduled to meet on Thursday 8 October 2026 to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant budget, school revenue balances, and proposals for the de-delegation of central expenditure.

The Standards Assessment Sub-Committee and the Appeals Sub-Committee (School Transport) were scheduled to meet on Tuesday 6 October and Wednesday 7 October 2026 respectively, though both were cancelled.

This week in Wiltshire:

Council Faces Crucial Decisions on Local Transport and Environment Policy

Wiltshire Council's Cabinet met on Thursday 8 October 2026, tackling a range of important issues that will shape the county's future. Key decisions included the endorsement of the Our Wiltshire Plan 2025-35 - Annual Report 2026, which outlines the council's progress and future activities, and the approval of a new procurement process for consultancy services. Crucially, the Cabinet also approved the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) project to proceed to tender, a move that promises to significantly boost charging points for electric vehicles across the county. An updated Environment Policy was also endorsed for recommendation to Full Council, signalling a renewed commitment to tackling climate change.

Boosting Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

The approval of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) project marks a significant step towards a greener future for Wiltshire. The project aims to address the critical lack of public charging points for residents who don't have off-street parking, a barrier that currently hinders many from switching to electric vehicles. The plan is to build at least 2,000 new EV charging devices across the county. This ambitious project will be delivered through a 15-year concession contract with a commercial charge point operator. Funding for this initiative comes from a substantial £3.889 million capital grant from the Department for Transport, supplemented by an anticipated £6.111 million in private investment from the operator. The contract will include measures to ensure charging remains affordable for residents and a performance framework to monitor the service. This initiative is vital for supporting the transition to cleaner transport, benefiting both the environment and residents' access to modern, sustainable travel options.

• Cabinet meeting details

Strengthening Financial Oversight and Control

In a move to enhance governance and control over spending on specialist professional services, the Cabinet approved the procurement of a Neutral Vendor to manage consultancy and off-payroll working. This decision is expected to reduce legal and reputational risks associated with these types of contracts. The council estimates it spends around £2.7 million annually on off-payroll and consultant working, and this new arrangement promises to bring much-needed oversight, control, and clearer reporting. The authority for procurement and contract award has been delegated to the Director of Organisational Strategy and Digital, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member. A three-year contract, with a potential 12-month extension, has been approved with a budget of up to £12 million over four years. This measure is crucial for ensuring public money is spent wisely and effectively.

• Cabinet meeting details

Environmental Policy Update

The Cabinet also endorsed an updated Environment Policy for recommendation to Full Council. This policy sets out how the council will mitigate its environmental impacts and has been revised to reflect recent policy changes and emerging climate risks. The council's direct greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) saw a significant reduction of 82.1% since 2019, reaching 2,028 tCO₂e in 2025/26, though this was slightly above the interim target for the year. The report highlighted ongoing work in areas such as decarbonising council buildings and fleet, supporting household energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable transport. This updated policy is a critical component of Wiltshire's commitment to tackling the climate emergency and ensuring a sustainable future for the county.

• Cabinet meeting details

Area Boards Focus on Community Funding and Local Priorities

Several Area Boards convened recently, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting local communities and addressing neighbourhood-specific needs. The Melksham Area Board met on Wednesday 7 October 2026, approving funding for various community projects and reviewing highway improvement schemes. The Corsham Area Board was scheduled to meet on Thursday 8 October 2026, with a packed agenda including numerous grant funding requests for local initiatives, partner updates, and discussions on local priorities. Similarly, the Marlborough Area Board, scheduled for Tuesday 6 October 2026, was set to discuss new funding opportunities, road safety initiatives, and local priorities, alongside reviewing grant applications.

Melksham Area Board Supports Local Projects

The Melksham Area Board allocated significant funding to local initiatives. The board considered several applications for Community Area Grants, including requests for an audio-visual system for Shaw Village Hall, a trampoline for Steeple Ashton Recreation and Community Development Group, and upgrades for Steeple Ashton Village Hall. Young People Grants were also a focus, with applications from 4Youth South West for youth work and counselling services. The board also noted previous awards made for summer activities for young people with SEND and for supporting youth boxing. The meeting also reviewed recommendations from the Local Highways and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG) for various road safety and traffic management projects across the area.

• Melksham Area Board meeting details

Corsham Area Board Reviews Community Grant Applications

The Corsham Area Board was scheduled to consider a wide array of grant funding requests. Applications included support for a new website for Pound Arts Trust, relaying the cricket wicket at Corsham Cricket Club, and installing solar panels at Colerne Rugby Club. Funding was also sought for the Corsham Churches Foodbank and WCA, and for youth programmes focused on wellbeing and digital empowerment. The board was also set to receive updates from key partners, including Wiltshire Police, and discuss local priorities and highway improvements.

• Corsham Area Board meeting details

Marlborough Area Board Explores New Funding and Road Safety

The Marlborough Area Board was scheduled to review new funding opportunities, including the Wiltshire Community Lottery and the Wellbeing Fund. The meeting also included a review of funding recommendations from the Local Highway and Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG) for several road safety and traffic management schemes in the Marlborough area. Grant applications for projects such as expanding table tennis participation and supporting individuals with Parkinson's disease were also on the agenda.

• Marlborough Area Board meeting details

Audit and Governance Committee Reviews Financial Health

The Audit and Governance Committee was scheduled to meet on Tuesday 6 October 2026 to review a range of financial and governance matters. The agenda included updates on external and internal audits, risk management, and the council's financial management review. Discussions were also planned regarding the governance of the Stone Circle companies and the progress of actions identified in the Annual Governance Statement. These reviews are essential for ensuring the council operates with integrity and manages public funds responsibly.

• Audit and Governance Committee meeting details

Other matters

The Schools Forum was scheduled to meet on Thursday 8 October 2026 to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant budget, school revenue balances, and proposals for the de-delegation of central expenditure.

The Standards Assessment Sub-Committee and the Appeals Sub-Committee (School Transport) were scheduled to meet on Tuesday 6 October and Wednesday 7 October 2026 respectively, though both were cancelled.

This week in Wiltshire:

Council Grapples with Planning System Overhaul and Potential Loss of Local Control

Wiltshire Council is preparing for significant changes to the planning system that could fundamentally alter how local development is decided. The Standards Committee, meeting on Tuesday 29 September 2026, discussed proposed amendments to the council's constitution driven by new government regulations. The core of the issue lies in the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, which introduce a National Scheme of Delegation and a Gateway Test for planning applications.

The council has formally objected to these national changes, viewing them as a diminution of local democracy. The new regulations aim to streamline decision-making, but critics argue this could reduce the influence of local councillors and residents on developments within their communities. The proposed changes to Wiltshire's constitution seek to retain a planning committee structure as much as legally permissible, but will necessitate adapting to new legal requirements, including the removal of the call-in process for local members. This means that decisions on certain applications, previously subject to local councillor review, may now be made at a national or delegated level.

The implications for residents are significant. While the aim is to speed up development, there are concerns that local character, environmental protection, and community needs could be overlooked if local input is reduced. The council is required to comply with the law, but the debate highlights the ongoing tension between national policy objectives and local democratic control.

• Standards Committee meeting details

Police and Crime Plan Under Review Amidst Rising Demand and Rural Response Challenges

The Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel met on Thursday 1 October 2026 to scrutinise the Police and Crime Plan, a crucial document outlining the priorities for policing and community safety across the county. The panel reviewed performance reports and the annual report for 2025/26, revealing a mixed picture of progress and persistent challenges.

While some areas show improvement, such as faster emergency call answering and reductions in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, the report highlights significant demand and capacity pressures. This has led to longer contact queues and a decline in immediate-response performance, particularly in rural areas. For residents in these areas, this could mean longer waits for police assistance in critical situations.

The panel also discussed the delivery of the Serious Violence Duty, a legal requirement for specified authorities to collaborate to prevent and reduce serious violence. Initiatives like Focused Deterrence and Synergy are being deployed, aiming to address the root causes of violence through early intervention. However, the report also noted that knife-enabled crime and road casualties remain a concern, with motorcyclists disproportionately represented in serious incidents.

The effectiveness of HGV weight limit enforcement and the ongoing work of Community Speed Watch volunteers were also discussed, reflecting the panel's commitment to tackling local crime and improving road safety. The appointment of two new independent co-opted members to the panel was also ratified, aiming to bring diverse skills and experience to its oversight role.

• Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel meeting details

Festival Licence Under Threat as Police Raise Serious Safety Concerns

The Northern Area Licensing Sub Committee met on Wednesday 30 September 2026 to consider a critical application for a review of the premises licence for the iZambezi Festival, held at Charlton Park, Malmesbury. Wiltshire Police submitted the review application, citing serious concerns that the licence holder was unable to uphold any of the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The police's concerns, raised just two weeks before the event, centred on a perceived lack of essential plans and documented provisions. Specifically, the absence of a published security plan detailing staff numbers and deployment, an alcohol policy, and a drugs policy were highlighted as major red flags. For festival-goers, this could translate to inadequate security, poor management of alcohol and drug-related incidents, and a compromised overall safety environment. The report pack contained extensive documentation, including statements from Wiltshire Police, the licence holder's response, and representations from various responsible authorities and interested parties, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The sub-committee's decision on this licence review will have direct implications for the safety and experience of attendees.

• Northern Area Licensing Sub Committee meeting details

Other matters

The Standards Committee also reviewed annual reports on whistleblowing and complaints. The complaints report indicated a significant increase in both formal complaints (up 27% to 783) and service requests (up 40% to 2,384) compared to the previous year. Adult Social Care, Families and Children, Education and Skills, and Housing Services received the most complaints. Despite the rising volume, the council's complaints handling performance improved, with a higher percentage of responses provided within statutory timescales. The report also noted the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools by residents to draft complaints and the council's exploration of AI for complaint management.

The Electoral Review Committee met on Tuesday 29 September 2026 to consider proposed changes to parish names and review further recommendations from the ongoing Community Governance Review. Requests to change the names of Ramsbury Parish Council to Ramsbury & Axford Parish Council and Bishops Cannings Parish Council to Bishops Cannings and Northfields Parish Council were discussed. The committee also reviewed responses to proposals concerning warding arrangements for Purton and the transfer of areas between parishes, aiming to ensure parish governance reflects community identities and interests.

This week in Wiltshire:

Pension Fund Faces Scrutiny Over Weapons Investments and Climate Commitments

Wiltshire Pension Fund Committee members grappled with significant ethical and financial questions at their meeting on Thursday 24 September 2026. A key point of contention was the fund's investments in weapons companies, with a member of the public, Alex Hall, submitting a question demanding a formal vote on divestment. Hall pointed to other Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds that have already divested or are considering it, citing legal precedents and the ethical implications of investing in companies linked to the arms trade, particularly in light of global conflicts. This raises crucial questions about the fund's fiduciary duty[^5] and its commitment to responsible investment, especially concerning reputational risk and long-term stability.

The committee also reviewed the fund's updated Responsible Investment Policy and its Climate and Nature Assessment Report. The policy, which is reviewed annually, aims to ensure investments align with environmental and social considerations. Progress on climate commitments includes a 57% decarbonisation of listed equity portfolios against a 2019 baseline and a commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, the report also detailed the fund's approach to managing climate and nature-related risks, including its impact on biodiversity. The need for greater clarity on how the pooling company, LGPS Central[^2], will effectively implement these policies is a key concern, with further details expected in the coming months.

• Wiltshire Pension Fund Committee meeting details

Council Prepares for New Employment Laws Aimed at Strengthening Worker Rights

Wiltshire Council's Staffing Policy Committee met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to prepare for significant changes to employment law coming into effect in October 2026. The Employment Rights Act 2025 measures, part of the government's Make Work Pay programme, will introduce stronger protections for workers.

Key changes include:

• Enhanced protection from harassment: Employers will have a duty to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, a higher standard than previously. Crucially, employers will also become liable for harassment by third parties, such as customers. This will be supported by an updated Personal Safety and Wellbeing Framework and revised Dignity at Work and Unwanted Behaviour policies.
• New rights for trade union members: Workers will be informed in writing of their right to join a trade union, and union equality representatives will gain paid time off for their duties.
• Improved outsourcing fairness: Measures will be introduced to prevent a two-tier workforce where employees transferring from public sector organisations have different terms and conditions to those working for outsourced providers.

These changes are designed to create a fairer and more secure working environment. The council is updating its policies and procedures to ensure compliance, which will impact how it manages its approximately 5,400 employees.

• Staffing Policy Committee meeting details

Planning Committees Consider Housing, Heritage, and Infrastructure

Wiltshire Council's planning committees have been busy reviewing a range of applications that will shape the county's future.

The Southern Area Planning Committee met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to consider a significant residential development in Old Sarum, Salisbury. The proposal for 49 new homes on land west of Roger Way and the conversion of a vacant ground floor unit in the Old Sarum Local Centre to affordable apartments aims to address the council's housing land supply deficit. While the development is welcomed for its contribution to housing, particularly affordable housing, it also involves careful consideration of heritage impacts, amenity concerns, and ecological protection measures, including contributions towards River Avon SAC nutrient neutrality mitigation.

Meanwhile, the Western Area Planning Committee, scheduled for Wednesday 23 September 2026, was unfortunately cancelled.

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, also meeting on Wednesday 23 September 2026, reviewed the Wiltshire Council Annual Report 2025-26. This report details progress against the council's priorities, including investments in highways and housing support, while acknowledging ongoing challenges with service demand and financial pressures. The committee also examined the Annual Complaints and Service Improvement Report, which noted a significant increase in complaints, particularly in Adult Social Care and Families and Children services.

• Southern Area Planning Committee meeting details
• Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee meeting details

Other matters

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss neighbourhood health plans, the Wiltshire Health Protection Strategy, and the Healthwatch Wiltshire Annual Report. The Board also reviewed proposed changes to its terms of reference, aiming to enhance its role as a strategic steward for neighbourhood health. The Health Protection Strategy 2026-2031 was endorsed, setting out a vision to protect Wiltshire's population from infectious diseases and environmental hazards.

• Health and Wellbeing Board meeting details