Bath and North East Somerset Council has approved a 4.99% increase in council tax, the highest allowed without government approval or a public referendum. This increase, effective from April, will raise the average band D council tax by £90.97 annually—or about £1.75 per week—bringing the total to £1,914.03. Despite the hike, this remains below the national average of £2,062.
Council cabinet member for resources, Mark Elliott (Lansdown, Liberal Democrat), addressed the full council on February 24, highlighting the significant financial pressures the council faces due to ongoing cuts in central government funding and rising social care costs. “We have developed a robust plan balancing our ambitions with fiscal prudence, aiming to manage the social care inflationary pressures through early interventions,” Elliott explained.
The council plans to boost investment in preventative social work as a strategy to reduce long-term costs. However, Elliott emphasized the challenges posed by the government’s funding reductions, noting a cut of £2.4 million this year as part of the “fair funding review,” expected to reach £12.55 million within three years.
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To balance the budget, the council proposes £4.65 million in cuts and cost reductions along with £2.59 million in new revenue, which includes increasing parking permit fees for larger vehicles and stricter enforcement of yellow box restrictions. Despite concerns about potentially exploiting these measures, Elliott defended the council, stating it is avoiding the severe cuts faced by some other authorities.
Labour councillors opposed aspects of the plan, particularly a proposal to save £250,000 by reducing £10,000 from each of the council’s top 25 contracts. Labour leader Robin Moss (Westfield) tabled an amendment to exempt contracts for public toilets and those involving charity or voluntary organizations. The amendment was rejected. Moss criticized the blanket cuts as unfair to partners, arguing Labour would vote against the budget without such protections.
Elliott responded that the council’s top 25 contracts amount to £1.2 billion in spending, including £5 million for public toilet management. He affirmed the administration’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing public facilities, while emphasizing the need for contract managers to deliver value for taxpayers.
Liberal Democrat councillor Steve Hedges (Odd Down) pointed to the Labour government as responsible for the steep funding cuts. “The government reforms are costing us £12.55 million over three years,” he stated, suggesting Labour leaders appeal directly to their party’s national leadership to restore lost funds.
Moss defended the Labour government’s funding revisions, asserting they aim to rebalance resources away from affluent areas toward deprived communities. He also highlighted government initiatives such as writing off 90% of SEND deficits, investing £20 million in Whiteway and Twerton under the “pride in place” scheme, and progressing a tourist tax.
The council tax increase and 2026/27 budget were approved decisively, with 46 votes in favor, six against, and three abstentions.