The Finance and Procurement Select Committee of Wiltshire Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 27 January 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a comprehensive review of the proposed Annual Budget for 2026/27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026/27 to 2028/29. Additionally, the committee will examine the Forward Work Programme and receive updates on various financial matters.

Annual Budget 2026/27 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2026/27-2028/29

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to the proposed Annual Budget for the upcoming financial year and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) covering the period from 2026/27 to 2028/29. This will involve receiving details from the Cabinet Member for Finance and the S.151 Officer¹ regarding the council's financial plans. The report pack indicates that the proposed budget aims to ensure the continued provision of vital services to Wiltshire's residents, businesses, and communities, while also supporting the delivery of the priorities outlined in Our Wiltshire Plan ². The strategy aims to achieve a balanced budget for 2026/27 without the need to draw from reserves, ensuring financial sustainability. The report also details the proposed increase in Council Tax for 2026/27 and outlines the General Fund reserve balance as part of a reserve strategy to enhance future financial resilience. Key financial risks are also to be highlighted. The proposed capital investment for 2026/27 and beyond, crucial for infrastructure projects and asset maintenance, will also be presented. Furthermore, the report will cover the position of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG)³, which is to be approved by the Schools Forum⁴.

Forward Work Programme

The committee is scheduled to review and approve its Forward Work Programme. This will take into account any decisions made during the meeting, ensuring that the committee's future activities align with its ongoing scrutiny responsibilities and the council's strategic objectives.

Cabinet Member Update

A verbal update is expected from attending Cabinet Members, or their Portfolio Holders, highlighting recent news, successes, or milestones within their respective areas of responsibility. These updates will cover areas not already addressed elsewhere on the agenda.

Urgent Items

The committee will consider any other items of business that the Chairman deems to be of urgent importance and agrees to discuss.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting will be confirmed.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The committee will consider a resolution to exclude the press and public from a specific part of the meeting. This is proposed due to the likelihood that exempt information, as defined in the Local Government Act 1972, would be disclosed if the public were present. The public interest in withholding this information is considered to outweigh the public interest in disclosing it.

Part II Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The committee will consider approving the Part II Minutes from the previous meeting held on 6 November 2025. These minutes likely contain information that was discussed with the press and public excluded.