County on course for balanced budget

Wiltshire Council is predicting it will deliver a balanced budget at the end of the year, following the introduction of a number of internal measures.

Council finances are regularly monitored and a projected overspend of £8.3m was flagged up in September should spending patterns continue.

The rise was largely due to increased demand for children’s and adults’ social care set against a backdrop of reduction in government funding.

However cabinet members today discussed the latest monitoring report which shows the projected overspend has been halved to £4.04m with more measures in place to deliver a balanced budget by year end.

Dick Tonge, cabinet member for finance said, “The situation we face is the same across the UK as all local authorities are having to tighten their belts. The rising costs are a reflection of the reduction in government funding set against a continued increase in demand, especially in care.

“The social care levy allowed by the government has alleviated but not resolved the problem. We must continue to find innovative ways to save and be smarter to ensure we meet the challenges ahead.

“We keep a close eye on our finances and by taking these actions in good time we are ensuring we are heading for a balanced budget by the end of March 2017.”