Amid rising tensions over North Somerset Council’s looming financial crisis, senior councillors have firmly dismissed calls for a mass resignation. The council is currently grappling with the possibility of implementing an exceptional council tax hike to avoid bankruptcy.
Council leader Mike Bell (Weston-super-Mare Central, Liberal Democrat) addressed the issue in a live Facebook Q&A session, responding to a viewer’s demand: “Resign the lot of you.” Bell emphasized, “I am not going to resign because we are in a difficult situation and there are tough choices to be made. It is our responsibility to rise to the challenge, make difficult decisions, and work to improve North Somerset. Walking away is absolutely not a solution. We cannot pretend these problems don’t exist.”
The council faces severe financial strain due to escalating social care costs and demands, alongside a projected government funding loss of £24 million over the next three years. This financial gap has pushed the council toward the risk of issuing a section 114 notice, signaling potential insolvency without government approval for higher council taxes.
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Other councillors participating in the livestream echoed Bell’s sentiments. Annemieke Waite (Winford, Green), cabinet member for planning and environment, shared her determination despite the pressures: “Some of us haven’t even been here that long, yet we’ve been thrown into challenging roles. I love what I do and the difference we’re making. There is no chance of me resigning.”
Roger Whitfield (Portishead East, Portishead Independent), cabinet member for adult social services, who was elected in 2023, stated, “Once inside the council, you see the scale of the challenges. I’m here to tell the truth and prevent poor decisions. I’m doing a good job and plan to continue.”
Deputy leader Catherine Gibbons (Weston-super-Mare Milton, Labour) shared a personal motivation for stepping into politics: “I have experience with social care issues and wanted to make a difference from within. Though it’s difficult, I hope my efforts have been impactful.”
Bell concluded the session urging the public to hold councillors accountable but with respect. “Please challenge us and give us a hard time, but do so respectfully. We’re trying our best amid circumstances beyond our direct control. And remember, elections in 2027 offer the chance to choose new representatives if you are dissatisfied.”