A recent survey conducted by Somerset Council reveals that nearly two-thirds of residents are willing to accept an increase in council tax to help address a £41 million budget shortfall. The council plans to set its annual budget in March, with a significant rise in council tax expected as part of efforts to meet rising demand for local services.
The survey, undertaken during December 2025, gathered over 1,400 responses from the public on budget priorities and their willingness to pay more in council tax to sustain services. Results show that 62% of respondents support a council tax hike, with 27% favoring an increase below 4.99%—the maximum allowed without a referendum—21% backing a 4.99% rise, and 15% endorsing an even larger increase. Around 36% oppose any increase, while 2% advocate for a tax reduction.
Fewer residents than in the previous year (42%, down from 53%) support raising council tax to align Somerset’s rates with other South West unitary authorities like Cornwall, Dorset, and Wiltshire. However, over half of respondents prefer the council to balance its budget through property sales, cutting non-statutory services, and increasing fees and charges.
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Strong public support exists for the council lobbying central government for additional funding and local government reform, with 86% endorsement. Conversely, only 38% believe councils should have greater control over setting local council tax, a drop from 49% last year. A significant portion of respondents expressed concerns about inefficient spending, particularly on consultants, agency staff, senior salaries, and regeneration projects, calling for visible internal savings and greater transparency.
When asked about priorities, 55% identified roads and pavements as the top concern, followed by crime (29%), and public transport and schools (28% each). Most respondents oppose cuts to road maintenance and want the council to protect waste services. Conversely, the planning department and economic development received the highest support for potential budget cuts.
Council officials summarized public comments emphasizing concerns over perceived waste and inefficiency, coupled with strong support for essential services such as roads, social care, and waste management. Residents also called for clearer explanations about increasing costs in adult and children’s services and proposed income-raising ideas including greater enforcement of fines for littering and fly-tipping.
The council’s corporate and resources scrutiny committee discussed the budget proposals on January 28, with the final budget set to be considered by the executive committee on February 11, followed by the full council’s approval in Bridgwater.