North Somerset Council has announced an 8.99% rise in council tax, attributing the steep increase to cuts in government funding. It is one of only seven councils nationwide granted permission to exceed the usual 4.99% cap, resulting in an additional £13.44 per month on the council tax bill for an average band D property.
Council leaders express frustration, claiming their traditionally low spending and efficient management have paradoxically led to government penalties. Leader Mike Bell stated, “We are being punished for being successful.” Despite the rise, North Somerset’s council tax will still remain below the national average.
The council faces a nearly £18.6 million reduction in government funding over the next three years, with no recovery grants offered, even as social care costs continue to climb. Bell emphasized the dilemma, noting, “For 2026/27 and beyond, we must both reduce services and increase taxes, continuing the challenging environment we have dealt with for over a decade.”
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Labour MP Sadik Al-Hassan highlighted public concerns about value for money, cautioning that residents must feel improvements in their lives to accept the hike. However, council officials admit many will simply feel they are “paying more and getting less” unless the government revises its funding approach.
Council cabinet members unanimously placed blame on the government. Annemieke Waite lamented the lack of choice, saying, “Nobody wants to increase tax like this, but the government has left us no alternative.” Roger Whitfield also criticized previous administrations, emphasizing the priority of protecting social care despite financial pressures.
The proposed tax increase and budget will be voted on during the full council meeting at Weston-super-Mare Town Hall on February 24. Even with the increase, North Somerset still faces a £2.4 million budget shortfall. The council has already outlined £18 million in savings and new revenue plans, building on over £100 million of cuts made in the last decade.
Legally, UK councils must set a balanced budget annually. Failure triggers a section 114 notice, akin to declaring bankruptcy, activating emergency financial controls. Only 17 such notices have been issued historically, with 11 since 2018.
Local government minister Alison McGovern acknowledged the difficulties in approving the 8.99% rise, highlighting ongoing government efforts to reform local government funding. She warned that reforms will take time and that financial instability may persist in the interim, but support frameworks remain for councils in crisis.
The burden of rising social care costs has repeatedly forced North Somerset Council to make painful cuts, including service reductions and reserve withdrawals. Last year, the council used £9.1 million from reserves to balance the budget, yet still faced significant cuts, including the closure of two libraries and the discontinuation of the North Somerset Life magazine.
Residents and stakeholders await the full council’s decision on the tax hike and budget on February 24, in a meeting that could shape the area’s services and finances for the upcoming year.