Only 59 residents took part in the public consultation on Bath and North East Somerset Council’s proposed £193 million budget, an announcement that surprised many at a recent cabinet meeting. The consultation also addressed a proposed 4.99% increase in council tax, the maximum permissible without government approval or a local referendum.
The low response rate prompted a lively exchange between councillors. Labour opposition member Chris Dando expressed disbelief, suggesting the figure was a mistake given it amounts to roughly 0.03% of eligible residents. Liberal Democrat leader Kevin Guy quipped that the participation was still higher than responses to some national consultations, urging caution in dismissing the turnout.
Cabinet member for communication, Manda Rigby, explained the council’s extensive outreach efforts, including press releases, social media campaigns, communication with all parish and town councils, and involvement of councillors to promote the consultation. She noted that low participation often reflects general approval rather than indifference, adding that any highly contentious proposals typically generate more feedback.
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Despite the overall low engagement, the consultation influenced key decisions. Plans to cut operating hours at Bath Recycling Centre and Old Welton Recycling Centre, which aimed to save £200,000 annually, as well as the proposal to introduce a small charge for residents’ discovery cards saving £50,000 a year, were both scrapped following public objection.
Mark Elliott, cabinet member for resources, thanked contributors and highlighted the council’s responsiveness: “Your feedback means we will maintain current recycling centre hours and keep the residents' discovery card terms unchanged.” He emphasized that while consultations are required, participation remains voluntary.
The cabinet has endorsed the 4.99% council tax increase, which will raise the average Band D household’s annual bill by £90.97 (around £1.75 per week) starting April. Elliott pointed out that Bath and North East Somerset still ranks as one of the lowest council tax authorities in the South West, and that this budget avoids service cuts faced by many other councils.
The full council will convene at Bath’s Guildhall on February 24 at 6:30 pm to vote on the proposed tax hike and annual budget.