The Wiltshire Council Cabinet met on Tuesday 3 February 2026 to discuss the proposed budget for 2026/27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026/27 to 2028/29. Key decisions included the approval of a net general fund budget of £567.660m, a Council Tax increase of 4.99% (including a 2% levy for Adult Social Care), and the approval of the Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2032/33. The Cabinet also agreed to recommission sexual health services and approved the school admissions policies for 2027/28.

Wiltshire Council Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2026/27 to 2028/29

The Cabinet recommended to Full Council the approval of the net general fund budget for 2026/27 at £567.660m. This includes a Council Tax requirement of £389.328m, representing an increase of £1.81 per week for a Band D property. This increase comprises a 2.99% general rise and a 2% levy specifically for Adult Social Care. The Cabinet also endorsed the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026/27 to 2028/29, which aims to deliver the priorities outlined in Our Wiltshire Plan and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

Significant pressures were noted, particularly in Adult Social Care and Children's Services, with an estimated £16m of underlying pressures built into the 2026/27 budget. Savings proposals totalling £29.4m for 2026/27 and £45.8m over the MTFS period were put forward to address these pressures. The council's General Fund Reserve is to be maintained at £34.3m to mitigate financial risks.

The report also detailed the proposed Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2032/33, totalling £1.042bn, with significant investment planned for Highways & Transport (£57.973m), Children & Education (£105.699m), and Assets (£127.268m). The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme for 2026/27 is £40.507m.

The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budget for 2026/27 was also presented, showing a projected overspend of £15.234m in the High Needs Block, contributing to a cumulative DSG deficit forecast of £106.154m. The council is operating under a Safety Valve agreement with the Department for Education to manage this deficit.

Treasury Management Strategy 2026/27

The Cabinet recommended the adoption of the Prudential and Treasury Indicators, the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy, and the Annual Investment Strategy for 2026/27. These policies aim to ensure prudent borrowing, effective management of investments, and compliance with statutory guidance. The council will continue to manage its treasury operations with caution, monitoring interest rates and market conditions to minimise costs and risks. The Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) for the General Fund is projected to increase to £789.357m by 2028/29, while the HRA CFR is forecast to reach £210.038m. The council's external debt is projected to rise, but remain within the authorised limit.

Reprocurement of Electricity and Gas Supply Contract

Cabinet approved the strategy to award a new energy supply contract through a Public Sector Framework from 1 April 2027 for up to 5 years. This approach is favoured for its cost-effectiveness, competitive pricing, and the provision of additional services such as billing validation and query management. The contract with the current provider, West Mercia Energy (WME), has been assessed as performing well, achieving competitive unit rates and generating significant avoided costs. The option to procure green tariff electricity will be retained, aligning with the council's net zero carbon ambition.

Sexual Health Procurement

Cabinet agreed to commence a procurement process for future sexual health services in Wiltshire, with the current contract expiring on 31 March 2027. This is a statutory public health function funded by the Public Health Grant. The procurement will aim to secure a comprehensive service including contraceptive services, STI testing and treatment, and HIV prevention. Responsibility for tendering, commissioning, negotiating, and awarding the contract was delegated to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Coordination with the NHS. The report highlighted the importance of sexual health services in preventing long-term health complications and reducing healthcare costs, with an estimated £1 invested in contraception saving £9 in NHS and local authority costs.

School Admissions Policies 2027/28

Cabinet approved the proposed co-ordinated schemes and admission arrangements for Voluntary Controlled and Community Primary and Secondary schools for the 2027/28 academic year. These policies, drafted in accordance with the School Admissions Code, aim to ensure a fair, open, and transparent process for all applicants. Key dates for applications, appeals, and notifications were outlined. The proposals also included specific criteria for admissions, such as priority for looked-after children, vulnerable children, siblings, and children living within designated areas. The council will continue to coordinate in-year applications for safeguarding purposes, and parents have a right of appeal against admission decisions.

The meeting also included updates on the Financial Year 2025/26 Quarter Three Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring, which indicated a forecast underspend of £0.245m for revenue and a revised capital programme forecast of £196.777m. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for 2026/27 was also presented, proposing a rent increase of 4.8% for social and affordable rents, and an increase in garage rents. The HRA 30-Year Business Plan review highlighted a reduction in peak debt due to a revised development programme.