Council tax in Wiltshire is set to rise despite fears over the cost-of-living crisis.

The maximum rise could be five per cent, but Wiltshire Council Leader Richard Clewer said the budget process is continuing and the rise will not be decided until February.

“It’s not as if we’re not going to have to put council tax up, given the rate of inflation at the moment," he said.

“We are still waiting on some of the implications of government funding for us.

“Council tax will certainly be going up. I don’t know by how much, but it will be a heck of a lot less than inflation, because the maximum is five per cent and inflation for the year is running at over 10 per cent.”

Liberal Democrats leader Ian Thorn said: “I think it’s absolutely vital that any increase is considered very carefully and that the pockets of Wiltshire taxpayers are considered very cautiously.”

This year council tax increased by three per cent in February. On top of this the cost of parking in council car parks went up and grant funding was removed from a range of lunch clubs and friendship clubs across the county.

Other changes in the 2022 budget were £25m for a new leisure facility in Trowbridge, £74.627m for three major road improvements in Salisbury, Chippenham and Melksham, and a 4.1 per cent increase in social dwelling rents.

Councils have a legal obligation to balance their budgets, but the increase in tax in the new year will come at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is already putting a strain on many people's household budgets.

The council has been offering support and advice to anyone struggling because of the crisis.

One place to seek information and advice is the council’s Wellbeing Hub, which was set-up at the start of the pandemic.

Anyone can access the hub and it can provide confidential advice, and signposting from the council’s team in relation to the current high cost-of-living.

People can call Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday from 9am to 4pm on 0300 003 4576 or email wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk