Yeovil Town Council may raise council tax to save services

People in Yeovil could see an increase in their council tax as the town council tries to save popular services.

Town and parish councils are being asked to take over facilities currently run by Somerset Council in an effort to avoid it going bust.

Yeovil Town Council is now looking to put up its share of council tax by £130 for a Band D house.

The Yeovil Recreation Centre, the Westlands Entertainment complex and the Octagon theatre are all under threat.

Councillors will vote on the increase next Tuesday.

Georgie, from Yeovil, said: "It's a bit of a shame, but if it helps keep everything open and going, I think this might be worth it."

More than 10,000 people have signed a petition to protect sports facilities at Yeovil Recreation Centre.

Yeovil Town Council leader Graham Oakes said: "As someone who grew up in this town, I don't want to see us lose the best running track this side of Birmingham.

"I don't want to see us lose the Westlands Entertainment complex and the Octagon theatre.

"These things matter to the people in Yeovil."

Following an announcement on Wednesday, Somerset Council will get £5m extra in funding from the government.

But the council has said that it is not enough to stop the cuts.

Lead member for communities at Somerset Council, Federica Smith-Roberts, said the extra funding was "only a drop in the ocean".

She added that she understands people being upset about raising council tax.

"We know people will be receiving less services but paying more money for them," Ms Smith-Roberts said.

"Working with town, parish and city councils in Somerset to see if they can take on some of those services, obviously they have to pay for them."

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