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

Activites Assistants (CASUAL)

Durham County Council
£24,404 (12.65 p.a. hour) - £25,183 (£13.05 p.a. hour)
This is an exciting opportunity for Casual Activities Assistants to join our Leisure and Sport Service.   Leisure Centres are
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pension Administration Officer

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 p.a. (Grade 3) Pay award pending
A vacancy has arisen within Pension Services for an Administration Officer to provide admin and data support to the pensions team and members of the L Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

County Attendance Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
We are seeking to recruit to the role of County Attendance Officer on a permanent basis to work predominately across the North or the South of the county. The team works across the whole of Oxfordshire so flexibility to work in other areas is also require County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Software Engineer Starter

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914
We're looking for an exceptional human to join our digital team to learn the skills and put them into practice, designing, developing and maintaining websites, mobile apps & AI. You'll join us on our journey as we create better end-to-end services for our Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Executive Director - Growth, Enterprise and Environment

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
£139,111.00 (pay award pending)
This is a chance to make a significant difference to the lives of families across our borough – and to seriously improve your quality of life. Redcar and Cleveland House, Kirkleatham Street, Redcar, TS10 1RT
Recuriter: Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
Linkedin Banner