Ellie Ames 09 November 2023

Somerset declares ‘financial emergency’

Somerset declares ‘financial emergency’ image
Image: somerset.gov.uk

Somerset Council has declared it is facing a ‘financial emergency’ and agreed that ‘urgent actions’ are required to tackle a £100m shortfall.

The unitary authority, which came into being in Apri, said the funding gap for 2024-25 is due in large part to an expected £70m increase in the cost of adult social care next year.

At a meeting yesterday, executive members agreed to dispose of commercial investments and pledged to step up ongoing talks with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Council leader Bill Revans also wrote to all city, town and parish councils in Somerset this week, asking them to consider taking on greater responsibility for community assets and services.

In his letter, Cllr Revans said that while decisions on cuts were yet to be made, the funding shortfall could impact on the delivery of services, including public toilets, theatres, libraries, flood prevention, and fly-tipping.

He said: ‘Many city, town and parish councils have already expressed an interest in devolution and we recognise that some may wish to consider taking on community functions which could be at risk if we can no longer afford them.’

Lead member for resources Liz Leyshon said: ‘While we will continue to call for a national solution to this national problem, we are also determined to do everything we can to reduce our budget gap to ensure we continue to provide support for those most in need.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Library Duty Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 Pro rata
There is an exciting opportunity to join our Libraries team as a Library Duty Manager. This is a part-time (16.5hrs) temporary position, managing Seah Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Library Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
Do you have a love of books? A passion for helping people and the community? We are looking for a part time friendly Library Assistant to help us de Stanley
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Front of House Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata £13.26 per hour
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   We’re looking for enthusiastic and customer-focused individuals to join our team as Casual Front of House Officers at Gala Durham. Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £25,185 - £25,989 Pro rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED   We are looking to appoint a part-time 18.5hr Clerical officer within Business Services, Temporary for 18 months.  You will provide Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Cleaner

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Cleaner Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata 10 hours per week, term time only Permanent Required as soon as possible   The Governors of our fully inclusive, succ Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner