Ellie Ames 01 November 2023

Council looks to address £100m ‘black hole’

Council looks to address £100m ‘black hole’ image
Image: David Gyung / Shutterstock.com

Somerset Council is considering measures, including reducing staffing and cutting services to statutory levels, to cover a £100m funding gap.

The unitary authority, which came into being in April, said its reserves would not cover the shortfall for next year and without action it would need to issue a Section 114 notice at the point of setting its budget in February.

Officers are drawing up proposals to go before the council’s executive in December, which include selling assets and buildings, including offices; increasing council tax, fees and charges ‘as much as possible’; cutting back staffing; and reducing services to statutory levels.

Deputy leader and lead member for resources Liz Leyshon said: ‘No one wants to be in this position but we are well aware of the implications of a Section 114 notice.’

She said Somerset intended to take ‘difficult decisions’ now with the benefit of local knowledge, rather than leaving government commissioners to find an answer.

The council's latest budget figures, which are expected to show an estimated £70m increase in adult social care costs for 2024-25, will go before the council’s executive on 8 November.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Grounds Maintenance & Street Cleansing Manager

Essex County Council
Up to £20.60 per hour
Grounds Maintenance & Street Cleansing Operative Manager Full-Time, Temporary*37 Hours per Week£20.60 per hour* Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of People

Bolton Cares
£80,287
Bolton Cares is on an exciting journey of transformation and growth and we’re looking for a dynamic, people-focused leader to help shape our future. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Cares

Director of Care

Bolton Cares
£81,974
Bolton Cares is entering an exciting new chapter and we’re looking for a visionary leader to help shape it. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Cares

Director of Asset Investment & Growth

Bournville Village Trust
£115,000
A new chapter in a legacy that’s over 125 years in the making. Bournville, Birmingham
Recuriter: Bournville Village Trust

Assistant Director – Integrated Commissioning and Contracts

Suffolk County Council
£85,289 - £102,448 per annum
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Assistant Director Suffolk
Recuriter: Suffolk County Council
Linkedin Banner