James Gray MP has welcomed the Government’s confirmation that Wiltshire will see its budget increased by 7% this year, as part of the Conservatives’ commitment to level up local services across the country.

Local authorities across the country will receive a share of £49.2 billion local government funding this year – a 4.4 per cent real terms increase and the largest year-on-year real terms increase in a decade. Funding for key public services in will be protected, with significant extra resources dedicated to areas where they are needed most. Thanks to the investment being made by the Conservatives, including Wiltshire will have an extra £25.2 million to spend this year.

Thanks to measures taken by the Conservatives, local authorities will be able to prevent excessive Council Tax rises – striking the right balance between the interests of council taxpayers and addressing pressures on services.

Mr Gray said that:

“Local authorities play a vital role in our communities, providing the crucial local services that people rely on every day. I work closely with Wiltshire Council and greatly appreciate the help and support they provide to my constituents on a daily basis.

“I am therefore extremely pleased to see that the Council was awarded an extra £25.2 million to spend this year funding this year; this is a truly significant increase and can make a great difference to our community. I am hopeful that this investment will help our local leaders make positive change in the area and meet the challenges North Wiltshire faces.”