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Wilton council adopts larger precept after divided debate
Summary
After a lengthy debate about four illustrative precept options and project priorities, Wilton Town Council voted to adopt the higher precept illustration (option four) for 2026–27; two councillors recorded opposition and the precept demand was read into the minutes for submission to Wiltshire Council.
Wilton Town Council voted on a proposed increase to its 2026–27 precept after a prolonged discussion about four illustrative options and how to fund projects such as public toilets, play areas and market regeneration. The motion to adopt the council’s largest illustrative option (referred to in the papers as “option four”) carried with a majority; two councillors recorded their opposition.
Councillors debated the trade-offs between raising immediate revenue to fund a list of projects and spreading increases over time. Supporters of the larger rise said years of underfunding left the council unable to deliver strategic projects and that raising the precept now would allow immediate investment in town assets and services. Those favouring a lower increase argued the council should limit the burden on residents and consider using reserves or phasing projects.
A clerk read the precept demand into the record for submission to Wiltshire Council as part of the resolution. The precise numeric figure, as read in the meeting, was recorded in the minutes. The motion was proposed and seconded and carried by vote; two councillors—recorded in the meeting as Councillor Defe and Councillor Alexander—voted against the motion.
Council members asked that their votes be recorded in the minutes and that follow-up material setting out the budgeted projects and timelines be published once the final budget allocation decisions are made. The council also resolved to roll over earmarked reserve funds (as listed in appendix B) and approved a reduced set of account codes for the annual budget paperwork.
Next steps: the council will submit the precept demand to Wiltshire Council, publish the minutes with recorded votes, and circulate detailed budget allocations to councillors and the public when those allocations are finalized.
