Black hole widens in Wiltshire Council’s finances

The financial deficit in Wiltshire Council’s accounts has grown further. Initially predicted at £6.5 million, the overspend has now expanded to £6.6 million just three months later. The council remains legally obligated to maintain a balanced budget.

In September, the council resorted to using its financial reserves to help reduce the shortfall. During the upcoming cabinet meeting on November 11, senior councillors are expected to consider approving another withdrawal from these reserves.

The current overspend of £6.6 million equals approximately 1.3 percent of the council’s total £527 million budget. Despite this, the Liberal Democrat administration maintains it is effectively responding to ongoing fiscal challenges.

“We are facing up to and responding to budget challenges,” said the council’s leadership.

Key Financial Pressures

Adult and children’s social care services remain the main sources of financial strain.
Rising costs stem from the growing complexity of care and increased service demands.
Government support after the rise in Employers National Insurance was limited.
The private care sector has been heavily affected, alongside inflation, increasing statutory service costs.

Steps Taken by the Council

Managing staff vacancies with a current vacancy rate near seven percent.
Restricting non-essential and discretionary spending.
Using reserves to cover shortfalls and accelerating future savings plans.

Author’s Summary

The council’s deficit has deepened to £6.6 million as rising social care costs and inflation pressure Wiltshire’s budget, prompting reliance on reserves and spending cuts.

Salisbury Journal — 2025-11-06