Mark Whitehead 21 May 2018

Somerset confident it will not follow Northamptonshire into bankruptcy

Somerset County Council faces 'a very challenging position' and could run out of money within a year unless it takes action, according to a financial review.

The Tory-run authority claims the local government finance system is 'broken' and has called on Whitehall to take urgent action to address the crisis.

A 'corporate peer challenge' report on the council says: 'A mix of rising demand pressures for services, especially in children’s services where the costs of placements are a significant cause for concern, a low level and slow rising tax base and reducing government grant has necessitated the use of reserves to plug gaps in spending plans and has left the council’s finances in a very challenging position.'

The county unveiled controversial plans involving the future of its Sure Start children’s centres earlier this year and is currently consulting over its library service which could lead to closures.

A spokesman told LocalGov there would be slightly more in its general reserves this year and said it would not follow Northamptonshire, which was taken over by government commissioners in February.

But he added: 'It's a really difficult time for our finances as it is for every local authority.

'The need for social care is growing as are demands for children's services. It is difficult but we are confident we have plans in place for sustainable financing of the council.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner