North Somerset councillors have once again decided to freeze their allowances, marking the second consecutive year without an increase. This decision comes as the council approved a new budget that includes £20 million in cuts alongside an unprecedented 8.99% rise in council tax, a move described by some as “horrendous.”
The council’s financial challenges stem largely from decreasing government funding amid escalating social care costs. The tough budget measures include a further £50,000 reduction in library opening hours, scaled-back council tax discounts for very low-income households, and the freeze on councillor allowances, which saves £30,000.
Councillors receive annual allowances—currently set at £11,285.25 in North Somerset—in place of salaries. An independent committee advises on appropriate levels, but ultimately councillors vote on their pay, choosing again to maintain the freeze.
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Councillor Helen Thornton (Weston-super-Mare Uphill, Labour) supported the budget despite concerns over cuts to vital services like libraries and nursery education. She also cautioned that continuing to freeze allowances could discourage younger candidates from standing for council, potentially limiting diversity. Thornton noted that the current councillor demographic skews older, with 70% over 50 and only 12% aged 40 or under.
An equalities impact assessment highlighted that councillor allowances serve to prevent financial disadvantage and promote diverse representation by compensating for lost income due to council duties. The freeze could hinder this goal, potentially excluding those without other income sources and reducing the inclusivity of council decisions. However, the financial impact was deemed low, and the council plans to explore a hardship fund and better guidance on claiming expenses to mitigate adverse effects.
While most councillors receive only the basic allowance, those in leadership or committee roles earn additional “special responsibility allowances.” For example, the council leader receives £43,800 annually, the deputy leader £34,000, and cabinet members £30,800.
Facing a precarious financial situation, North Somerset was forced to apply for permission to surpass the standard council tax cap, joining only six other authorities nationwide. The average band D property will now pay £1,955 annually in council tax—still below the national average of £2,062—with an additional monthly cost of £13.44.
Council leader Mike Bell emphasized available support for residents struggling with the increase, including automatic council tax reductions for eligible households.
During the budget debate, Independent councillor Mike Bird acknowledged the difficulty of the tax hike but underscored the necessity, pointing out that without the increase, the council would face severe public service cuts due to the £19 million funding loss.
Ultimately, the budget—including the council tax rise, service cuts, and allowance freeze—was approved with 35 votes in favor, six against, and two abstentions, reflecting the tough choices local leaders must make amid shrinking resources.