IN order to prevent themselves having going to the government with a “begging bowl” every year for more funds, Wiltshire Council are looking at moving to a four-year budget.

Traditionally councils budget on an annual basis, however Wiltshire Council are in discussions with the government to change the way they budget, to increase control over what they spend money on.

Councillor Simon Killane, head of scrutiny at Wiltshire Council, said he believes it “makes sense” to move to a four-year budget.

“Wiltshire Council is a billion pound organisation,” he said.

“Not to have a financial plan that has feet for a long period is crazy. It’s long overdue that the council looks at things in a long term way.”

Cllr Killane says the current system leaves Wiltshire Council having to go the government with a “begging bowl” every year for grants to cover council shortfalls.

“In our case we go to the government for millions and millions on an annual basis,” he said.

“If we have a four-year plan, ministers can be more strategic, they can devolve power to more local powers, like town and parish councils.

“So the council doesn’t need to go to government for large sums of money and can balance its own books.

“I believe the government has been far too controlling of councils, as hundreds of millions are decided through a grant process.

“At the moment and for last few years, the government has said “let’s take this out and take that out” [of the local government budget] with no understanding of regional issues.

“This is an opportunity for councils to have more of a stake and to be able to balance their budget.”

Speaking about the possibility of moving to a four-year budget, a Wiltshire Council spokesperson said: “We are currently discussing with government the way our future financial settlements will be made, in particular the possibility of a four year funding agreement which will allow us to plan over a longer period.

“We will provide an update on these discussions at the forthcoming public meetings and give everyone the opportunity to hear more about the challenges we face and have their say.”