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 have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner