GOVERNMENT GRANTS SOMERSET COUNCIL EXCEPTIONAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We have some significant news to share regarding our local council’s finances and what it means for all of us. In response to mounting financial challenges, the Government has granted Somerset Council permission to raise Council Tax by up to 7.5% for the upcoming fiscal year. This increase exceeds the national cap of 5%, reflecting the council’s pressing need to address a substantial budget shortfall.
Why the Increase?
Since its formation in April 2023, Somerset Council has beendiligently working to reduce costs, implementing measures such as staff reductions to save £47 million by April 2025. Despite these efforts, escalating expenses in Children’s and Adult’s & Social Care have led to a projected budget gap of approximately £66 million for the 2025/26 fiscal year. To put it in context with a Band D property charge of £1,728, £1,140 of that is spent on Children’s and Adult’s & Social Care leaving only £588 left for all other services. The council sought Exceptional Financial Support from the Government, resulting in the approved Council Tax increase.
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