15/02/2026
The choice is clear!
Today we set out an alternative vision for Wiltshire
A fully costed, three-year plan that balances the books, protects frontline services and avoids squandering taxpayers’ money.
After months of Lib Dem chaos, confusion and U-turns — proposing to close Household Recycling Centres, cut Community Transport, scrap Parish Stewards and hike parking charges — Wiltshire residents deserve better than a budget that leaves a £6m deficit and pushes costs onto future generations.
Following the Government’s fair funding changes, which shift resources away from rural counties like Wiltshire, it is critical that the council is reshaped to live within its means, not driven deeper into debt.
Our Conservative Alternative Budget delivers:
🛣️ £6.2m a year boost for highways maintenance, funded from revenue – not borrowing our grandchildren would have to repay.
🚧 Lane Rental charging scheme to raise income and ensure utility companies complete roadworks faster.
🅿️ No Sunday parking charge hikes and a reversal of extended charging hours from 7am–7pm.
🚍 Protected funding for Link and Community Transport schemes.
♻️ Purton & Lower Compton HRCs kept open for at least three years while alternatives are properly assessed.
📅 Abolition of the HRC slot-booking system.
⚖️ All legal options explored before any major spending at St Stephen’s Car Park.
💷 Balanced budgets over three years, delivering a surplus by 2028/29.
🏠 Better value for residents, by protecting essential services, avoiding unnecessary borrowing and keeping costs down.
This is a responsible, long-term plan focused on competence, stability and putting Wiltshire residents first and ending the Lib Dem chaos.