Wiltshire Council's Cabinet met on Tuesday 20 January 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the future of parking services, housing reports, and the disposal of council assets. Key decisions were made regarding proposed increases to parking tariffs, the adoption of a new Parking Plan for 2026-2030, and the approval of a 125-year Community Asset Transfer lease for the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust.

Parking Plan 2026-2030 Approved

The Cabinet approved the Parking Plan 2026-2030¹, presented by Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding. This plan outlines the council's strategic approach to managing parking across Wiltshire, aiming to improve accessibility, sustainability, and financial viability. Key aims include optimising and rationalising parking assets, reviewing resident permit schemes, and enhancing the use of technology. The plan also includes specific measures for Salisbury, such as improved multi-storey car park initiatives and trials of new parking schemes. The delivery of some elements of the plan, which involve increased expenditure, will be dependent on funding from tariffs, external contributions, and other income-generating sources.

Parking Tariffs Set to Increase

Following the approval of the Parking Plan, the Cabinet also agreed to proceed with statutory consultations on proposed changes to parking tariffs, hours of operation, and associated permit fees. Presented by Cllr Martin Smith, the review aims to align parking charges with the Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4), the Parking Sub-strategy (PSS), and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), which requires an additional £0.750m in revenue by 2028. Tariffs have remained unchanged since 2022, despite a significant rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The proposed changes include increasing on-street and off-street parking charges across Wiltshire, extending parking operation hours to 07:00-19:00, aligning Sunday charges with weekday charging, and reintroducing on-street Sunday charges in Salisbury. The proposed tariffs will generally increase by 20% in 2026, with a further 5% increase planned for 2028. The council will continue to offer free parking to Blue Badge holders and will review their time limits in short-stay car parks.

Travel Management Provider to be Procured

The Cabinet, led by Cllr Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Engagement, and Corporate Services, approved the commissioning of a new travel management provider through a competitive procurement process. The current contract expired in April 2023, and a new provider is needed to ensure service continuity, enhance user experience, and achieve value for money. The estimated cost for the four-year contract is £1.6 million, to be funded by existing departmental budgets. This move is expected to improve compliance with travel policies and provide better management information for strategic planning, aligning with the council's climate and sustainability goals.

Wiltshire Council Annual Housing Report Noted

Cllr Adrian Foster, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Development Management and Housing, presented the Wiltshire Council's Housing Board Annual Report 2024/25. The report detailed the activities of the Wiltshire Council Housing Board (WCHB) between December 2024 and November 2025, providing an overview of key developments, performance, and governance across the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) service. The Cabinet noted the report, which highlighted the Board's role in developing and approving the HRA Business Plan and ensuring its implementation. The report also touched upon the impact of new regulatory agendas, cost of living pressures, and inflation on the HRA Business Plan, alongside a prioritised action plan for improvement. Key achievements included improvements in electrical safety testing, damp and mould case management, and a strengthened complaints process.

Kennet & Avon Canal Trust to Receive Community Asset Transfer Lease

A 125-year Community Asset Transfer lease was approved for the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust (K&ACT) for their HQ building at Devizes Wharf. Cllr Helen Belcher, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Assets, presented the report, which detailed how the CAT process had been followed and supported by the Devizes Area Board. This transfer will allow K&ACT to invest in the building, secure funding, enhance facilities, and consolidate their archives, ultimately benefiting the local community by providing improved facilities for visitors, boaters, walkers, and locals. The lease includes a cessation of use clause, allowing the Council to regain control if the community purpose ceases.

Five Council Assets Declared Surplus for Disposal

The Cabinet approved the sale of the freehold interest in five council-owned assets, as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report presented by Cllr Helen Belcher. This decision is part of the council's ongoing programme to dispose of surplus sites to generate capital receipts, which will support the Council's overall Capital Programme and Medium-Term Financial Strategy. The assets identified for potential sale include Ascot Court in Trowbridge, Summerlock Approach Car Park in Salisbury, the former Five Lanes Carers Nest in Potterne, land at Bradford Road in Winsley, and land at Marlborough Road in Royal Wootton Bassett. The sale of these assets aims to generate capital for investment in council services and infrastructure.

Parking Plan 2026-2030 Approved

The Cabinet approved the Parking Plan 2026-2030², presented by Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding. This plan outlines the strategic approach to managing parking across Wiltshire, aiming to improve accessibility, sustainability, and financial viability. Key aims include optimising and rationalising parking assets, reviewing resident permit schemes, and enhancing the use of technology. The plan also includes specific measures for Salisbury, such as improved multi-storey car park initiatives and trials of new parking schemes. The delivery of some elements of the plan, which involve increased expenditure, will be dependent on funding from tariffs, external contributions, and other income-generating sources.

Parking Tariffs Set to Increase

Following the approval of the Parking Plan, the Cabinet also agreed to proceed with statutory consultations on proposed changes to parking tariffs, hours of operation, and associated permit fees. Presented by Cllr Martin Smith, the review aims to align parking charges with the Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4), the Parking Sub-strategy (PSS), and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), which requires an additional £0.750m in revenue by 2028. Tariffs have remained unchanged since 2022, despite a significant rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The proposed changes include increasing on-street and off-street parking charges across Wiltshire, extending parking operation hours to 07:00-19:00, aligning Sunday charges with weekday charging, and reintroducing on-street Sunday charges in Salisbury. The proposed tariffs will generally increase by 20% in 2026, with a further 5% increase planned for 2028. The council will continue to offer free parking to Blue Badge holders and will review their time limits in short-stay car parks.

Travel Management Provider to be Procured

The Cabinet, led by Cllr Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Engagement, and Corporate Services, approved the commissioning of a new travel management provider through a competitive procurement process. The current contract expired in April 2023, and a new provider is needed to ensure service continuity, enhance user experience, and achieve value for money. The estimated cost for the four-year contract is £1.6 million, to be funded by existing departmental budgets. This move is expected to improve compliance with travel policies and provide better management information for strategic planning, aligning with the council's climate and sustainability goals.

Wiltshire Council Annual Housing Report Noted

Cllr Adrian Foster, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Development Management and Housing, presented the Wiltshire Council's Housing Board Annual Report 2024/25. The report detailed the activities of the Wiltshire Council Housing Board (WCHB) between December 2024 and November 2025, providing an overview of key developments, performance, and governance across the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) service. The Cabinet noted the report, which highlighted the Board's role in developing and approving the HRA Business Plan and ensuring its implementation. The report also touched upon the impact of new regulatory agendas, cost of living pressures, and inflation on the HRA Business Plan, alongside a prioritised action plan for improvement. Key achievements included improvements in electrical safety testing, damp and mould case management, and a strengthened complaints process.

Kennet & Avon Canal Trust to Receive Community Asset Transfer Lease

A 125-year Community Asset Transfer lease was approved for the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust (K&ACT) for their HQ building at Devizes Wharf. Cllr Helen Belcher, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Assets, presented the report, which detailed how the CAT process had been followed and supported by the Devizes Area Board. This transfer will allow K&ACT to invest in the building, secure funding, enhance facilities, and consolidate their archives, ultimately benefiting the local community by providing improved facilities for visitors, boaters, walkers, and locals. The lease includes a cessation of use clause, allowing the Council to regain control if the community purpose ceases.

Five Council Assets Declared Surplus for Disposal

The Cabinet approved the sale of the freehold interest in five council-owned assets, as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report presented by Cllr Helen Belcher. This decision is part of the council's ongoing programme to dispose of surplus sites to generate capital receipts, which will support the Council's overall Capital Programme and Medium-Term Financial Strategy. The assets identified for potential sale include Ascot Court in Trowbridge, Summerlock Approach Car Park in Salisbury, the former Five Lanes Carers Nest in Potterne, land at Bradford Road in Winsley, and land at Marlborough Road in Royal Wootton Bassett. The sale of these assets aims to generate capital for investment in council services and infrastructure.