Ellie Ames 22 August 2024

Cash-strapped council axes top member roles

Cash-strapped council axes top member roles image
Image: Clare O'Beara / Shutterstock.com

Somerset Council, which has declared a ‘financial emergency’, is cutting several senior member roles to save £36,000.

Most of the saving, £20,500, will come from axing one lead member role, leaving the council’s executive with seven lead members.

The corresponding opposition spokesperson role will also be cut, saving £3,875, and the number of associate lead members will be reduced from 10 to six, cutting the council’s costs by £11,625.

The current lead member for public health, equalities and diversity, Adam Dance, has stepped down following his election as Yeovil’s MP and the responsibilities have been added to other roles.

Two other councillors, Ros Wyke and Dixie Darch, have stepped down for ‘personal and private reasons’, while Tom Deaken is set to ‘focus on his role’ as leader of Taunton Town Council.

Somerset Council leader Bill Revans said: ‘As part of the financial emergency we are looking to make savings in all parts of the council’s work.

‘Adam, Tom, Ros and Dixie have been such valuable members of the executive team and I thank them wholeheartedly for all that they have contributed to their areas of focus over their time in these roles.’

The changes, agreed at the council’s budget meeting in February, will take effect from 1 September.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner