In response to the publication of the Wiltshire Council budget for 2026/2027, Nick Botterill chairman of Melksham & Devizes Conservative Association said:
“The LibDem led administration in Wiltshire has resorted to the default maximum Council Tax increase and thwacking residents with a 5% hike despite the latest inflation rate coming in at 3.4% and predicted to fall further over the coming year.
“LibDems do seem to have a problem when it comes to controlling costs and obtaining value for money in all the council does.
“In that, LibDems here in Wiltshire are no different from other councils which they control like Somerset.
“This fiscal incontinence is even more apparent in the Town Councils (where there is no cap!) across Wiltshire and where LibDems are supporting yet again huge increases in tax levels.
“At heart, I just don’t think they get it that it’s residents’ money they are being profligate with.”