Wiltshire Council Reports Progress on Roads, Housing and Public Services

Wiltshire Council has published its annual report highlighting progress made across the county over the past year, including investment in roads, affordable housing, public services and the local economy, while acknowledging ongoing financial pressures and increasing demand for support.

The Our Wiltshire Plan 2025 to 2035 sets out the council's long-term business plan, outlining its priorities, ambitions and approach to delivering services for residents. The annual report provides an update on progress and identifies areas where further work is needed.

The report covers eight priorities, including supporting people throughout their lives, strengthening community safety, improving opportunities for young people, protecting the environment, promoting healthier lifestyles, supporting the economy, improving roads and transport, and making culture accessible to everyone.

One of the key achievements highlighted is the council's £201 million investment in infrastructure through its capital programme, described as the largest in the authority's history. The council also reported achieving more than £13 million in planned savings while balancing its budget.

Road maintenance remains a significant part of the council's work. According to the report, 13,746 potholes were repaired, while 118.7 miles of roads and footways received treatment during the year.

The council also highlighted investment in the local economy, reporting £534 million in investment across economic programmes. This is estimated to have helped create 840 jobs and safeguard a further 1,680.

Housing and homelessness prevention were also among the areas covered. The report states that 502 affordable homes were completed, while 194 households were prevented from becoming homeless.

Enforcement against environmental offences also featured prominently. The council reported taking 284 formal enforcement actions relating to fly-tipping, including 79 fixed penalty notices, 12 successful prosecutions and 121 statutory notices.

The report also highlighted progress in early years education, with 75.3% of five-year-olds achieving a Good Level of Development. This was three percentage points above the national average, according to the council.

In public health, 2,593 smoking quit dates were set, the highest number in recent years, with a reported quit rate of 42%.

Leisure and cultural services also recorded significant activity, with 3.6 million visits to leisure centres and a 7% increase in library visits, reaching 1.447 million in total.

The council said it continued to support families through the school admissions process, with 99% of primary school applicants and 98% of secondary school applicants offered a place at one of their preferred schools.

Trading Standards also carried out 942 doorstep crime prevention visits, recovering £204,940. Meanwhile, 102 of the council's 172 fleet vehicles are now electric or hybrid, reflecting its ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

The report includes examples of how council services have affected individual residents. One case study focuses on Les, a pensioner from Chippenham who received support through the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme.

Improvements to his home included an air source heat pump, insulation, solar panels and battery storage, helping make the property warmer, safer and more energy efficient.

Les said the changes had made a significant difference to his wellbeing and comfort, adding that he was particularly pleased with the solar panels and battery storage system.

Despite the progress outlined in the report, the council acknowledged that significant challenges remain, including rising demand for services and continued financial pressures.

Priorities for the year ahead include improving support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), investing in roads and transport, increasing the supply of social rented housing, preparing for changes to waste collections and continuing efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said the report provided an opportunity to demonstrate what had been achieved while being open about the challenges facing the authority.

He said councils across the country continued to face growing demand for services and financial pressures, adding that the authority remained committed to scrutiny, learning and continuous improvement.

The report was presented to Full Council on 20 October. Wiltshire Council has published a public-friendly version highlighting key achievements, alongside a more detailed report intended to support councillors and committee members in scrutinising the authority's performance.

The council will also continue to report on its performance quarterly, allowing progress against targets to be monitored and priorities adjusted where necessary.

Residents can read the reports through the council's Full Council meeting documents or visit the Our Wiltshire Plan and business plan page for further information.