The Liberal Democrat administration at Wiltshire Council has disregarded the wishes of Full Council after approving revised terms for the transfer of St Stephen's Multi-Storey Car Park to the adjoining owner of Castle Place Shopping Centre.
The issue was the subject of a heated meeting of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee following a Call-In of the Cabinet decision. Members debated a motion seeking to refer the matter back to Full Council, but the proposal was defeated by seven votes to four, with one abstention.
In January 2026 Full Council voted not to approve a transfer package worth £2.5 million to facilitate the transfer of St Stephen's Multi-Storey Car Park to the owner of the adjoining Castle Place Shopping Centre. But earlier this month the Lib Dem Cabinet agreed revised transfer terms utilising capital funding that Full Council had earmarked for maintenance of the car park, only.
Councillor Tamara Reay said:
In January, Full Council said no to the proposed transfer deal, but in February, as part of the annual budget setting, allocated capital funding for the maintenance and repair of St Stephen's Car Park. That was not a decision to support a transfer of the asset.
The revised transfer terms now being pursued by Cabinet rely upon funds that Full Council intended for maintenance. If the Liberal Democrat administration wants to change course, the democratic thing to do is to return to Full Council and seek approval.
This is about transparency, accountability and respect for the decisions of Full Council. Cabinet should not be able to override the clear intentions of elected members without bringing the matter back for debate.
Veteran Wiltshire Councillor Jerry Kunkler (Pewsey) also expressed his concerns during the scrutiny meeting. He said,
I have attended some 63 Full Council meetings during my time on Wiltshire Council. It is very concerning that the Liberal Democrat administration is ignoring the wishes of Full Council. Frankly, it makes me consider whether my attendance at Full Council is worthwhile.
