Laura Sharman 02 November 2018

Council considers bidding for new money raising powers

Councillors at Bath & North East Somerset are being urged to lobby the Government for new powers to raise money for local services, such as introducing levies on tourism and short-term lets.

A report - which will be considered by Full Council next week - recommends the council makes a series of requests to central government for new powers. This includes the power to introduce a tourism tax, fees for listed building applications and a levy on short-term lets.

The report highlights the fact adult social care and children's services now make up 80% of the council's net budget for 2018/19 compared to 66% in 2015/16.

Council leader, Cllr Tim Warren, said: 'At present, we are simply not allowed to raise money in the new ways suggested here, and are too dependent on the funds we receive from council tax and business rates. Residents have frequently expressed their concerns about the constraints placed on the council by central government, and this report sets out new thinking.

'Crucially, it does not suggest that we should necessarily introduce any of these proposals, but that government should allow us the powers to do so, if we wish, at local level. It’s about us asking central government to help us help ourselves- not just going to them for extra money.'

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