As Wiltshire Council prepares to finalise its budget for 2025/26, I have put forward two key amendments that I believe will make a real difference to people across our county. These proposals focus on supporting children and young peopleby reintroducing free swimming during school holidays and investing in adult social care by strengthening our reablement service.
These amendments will be discussed at the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee on Thursday 13th February before going to Full Council on Tuesday 25th February, where councillors will vote on whether to include them in the final budget.
Bringing Back Free Swimming for Children and Young People
Swimming is not just a great way to stay active—it’s an essential life skill. But for many families, the cost of swimming sessions can be a barrier. That’s why I’m proposing to bring back free swimming for all children and young people during school holidays, including half-term breaks, at all council-run leisure facilities.
This simple initiative would cost £406,000 in 2025/26 and £1.288 million over the next three years. To fund it, I’m proposing a small council tax increase of 0.115%, which works out to just £2.03 per year (or 4p per week) for a Band D property.
For the price of a single cup of coffee per year, we can remove financial barriers to swimming and ensure that all children in Wiltshire have the opportunity to stay active and safe in the water.
Why This Matters
• Encourages Healthy Lifestyles – Physical activity is essential for children’s health and wellbeing, and swimming is one of the best all-round exercises.
• Improves Water Safety – Every child should have the chance to develop confidence in the water, particularly in a county with rivers, lakes, and canals.
• Supports Families – Free access to swimming ensures that parents don’t have to choose between keeping their kids active and managing household budgets.
This is a small investment that delivers big benefits for families and young people across Wiltshire.
Investing in Reablement: Supporting People to Live Independently
At the other end of the age spectrum, we need to do more to support older and vulnerable residents to stay independent in their own homes for longer. That’s why I’m proposing a £1.324 million investment in Wiltshire’s reablement service in 2025/26, increasing to £4.201 million over the next three years.
This funding would provide an additional 450 hours of reablement support per week, allowing more people to receive short-term, intensive support after hospital stays. 91% of people who receive reablement remain well at home three months later, reducing the need for costly long-term care and improving their quality of life.
This investment would be funded by a 0.375% council tax increase, equating to £6.82 per year (or just 13p per week) for a Band D household.
Why This Matters
• Keeps People at Home for Longer – No one wants to end up in a care home if they don’t have to. Reablement gives people the skills and confidence to remain independent.
• Reduces Pressure on NHS and Social Care – Supporting people at home prevents unnecessary hospital admissions and long-term care placements.
• Improves Wellbeing – People who regain their independence after illness have better mental and physical health outcomes.
For just 13p per week, we can expand this vital service and help more people recover in the comfort of their own homes.
What This Means for You
Taken together, these two amendments would require a 0.5% increase in council tax, raising £1.73 million for Wiltshire. That means a Band D household would pay just £8.85 per year, or 17p per week to fund both free swimming for children and expanded reablement services for adults.
That’s a small price to pay for ensuring our children can swim for free and our older residents can remain independent for longer.
What Happens Next?
These proposals will be discussed at the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee on 13th February, where councillors will have the opportunity to ask questions and examine the financial details. The final decision will be made at Full Council on Tuesday 25th February.
I believe these amendments represent a sensible, cost-effective investment in our community. If you support them, I encourage you to get in touch with your local councillor and let them know.
If you have any thoughts or questions, please feel free to reach out to me at jon@jonhubbard.org.
Together, we can make Wiltshire a better place for both young and old.
