Somerset Council considers cuts to cope with budget gap

A council is warning cuts to public services are coming as it struggles with a predicted budget gap of £87m.

Somerset Council has proposed a hike in council tax and other fees, such as those associated with parking and green waste collection.

Council leader Bill Revans said budget papers highlighted a "stark and challenging" financial position.

He added: "We've said this is a financial emergency, now we're seeing what that looks like in reality."

"Sadly, while this is a national problem, it will soon have a very real impact on local public services," he added.

On 7 November, Somerset Council declared "a financial emergency" as its predicted budget gap for 2024/25 stood at £100m.

Its latest budget papers, published on Tuesday, showed the council had reduced that forecast to £87m.

The council is considering a number of measures to raise revenue and reduce expenditure, according to the report.

For children's services, this may include "reductions in elements of early help, careers support, how [the council supports] independence, educational psychology support and virtual school".

In community services this may affect funding of leisure activities by "reduced support to theatres, visitor centres, tourism and heritage services".

The council is also considering a reduction of highway maintenance and other travel-based expenditure, such as public bus subsidies and school crossing patrols.

To raise revenue, the report suggested raising council tax.

Mr Revans added: "No decisions have yet been made but it's clear we're going to have to look carefully at every saving proposal.

"It's either that or we follow the likes of Birmingham and Croydon Councils and serve a S114 notice."

The council's executive will discuss the budget at its meeting on 6 December. This will be followed by a public consultation exercise.

Final decisions to set a balanced budget for 2024/25 will be taken by full council in February 2024.

Additional reporting by Clara Bullock.

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]