Wiltshire Budget May Include Free Swims for Kids During School Breaks

Hey, listen to this local news. Wiltshire Council could offer free swims. Kids could swim free during school breaks. This would apply at council-run facilities. Cllr Jon Hubbard suggested this idea. They will discuss it on February 13.

Hubbard also wants to boost Reablement Services. This helps people live more independently. It could also reduce long-term care reliance. These are the only two ideas on the meeting agenda.

Any member can suggest budget changes. Amendments must balance the budget. They can’t hurt the 2025/26 budget. Then, the full council will consider them.

This meeting is set for February 25. Scrutiny committees don’t need amendments beforehand. This process helps ensure changes are sound. They should be legal, practical, and achievable.

Ian Thorn said his group won’t propose changes. They plan a new budget if they win in May. Last year’s budget meeting took eight and a half hours!

Liberal Democrat changes failed then. They wanted to fund area boards better. They also sought free disabled parking. Plus, they wanted to fund tourism.

This year, all changes face a full council debate. Cllr Richard Clewer said he feels proud. The draft budget plans to spend £37m more. Council tax would rise 4.5 percent. This is less than the usual 4.99 percent.