A TAX rise of 4.99 per cent has been agreed by Wiltshire Council following a meeting today.

Councillors agreed to the proposal which has seen council tax rise by 1.99 per cent and the social care levy also raised by three per cent while savings of £13.33million have been made.

The rise in tax comes as the Government Settlement Funding Allocation to Wiltshire Council has been reduced by 17.6 per cent from £86.71 million to £72.31 million.

Members also agreed to invest £131.5million in capital projects, which will focus on the local economy, building more homes, health and wellbeing centres and community hubs and road improvements.

This includes £38.7million on the economy and transport, £3.7million on broadband, £6.4million in campuses and community hubs and £40.9million in housing.

A total of £24million will be spent on road and bridge repairs and maintenance in 2017/18.

An additional £150,000 will be allocated to area boards to use on pavement repair and creation.

Baroness Jane Scott of Bybrook, OBE, Leader of Wiltshire Council: “We have faced challenges as a result of the reduction in funding from central government and the increasing demand for some of our key front line services; particularly adult care and children’s safeguarding and waste collection and disposal.

“We have learnt to drive an environment that encourages innovation and change as the norm, so that we can overcome these challenges and, wherever possible, maintain the services that really matter and make the difference that’s needed.

“We place people at the heart of all we do and together we take action to do what’s right for Wiltshire with the resources we have.

“Whilst there will be more challenges ahead – I know that this council is both well-equipped and ready to meet those challenges. And, to keep its focus on what really matters – the people that we serve.”