North Somerset Council Seeks Approval for Up to 10% Council Tax Increase Amid Budget Crisis Monday, February 9, 2026 northsomerset counciltax budget council budgetcrisis socialcare fairfunding section114 councilservices taxincrease North Somerset Council has formally requested government approval to increase council tax by up to 9.99%, surpassing the usual 4.99% cap, as it grapples with a significant budget shortfall and mounting financial pressures. … Read More
Energy Bill Support: How Customers of Octopus, Ovo, British Gas and Others Can Get Help Monday, February 9, 2026 energy debt ofgem help bills advice grants support providers arrears Millions of households across Great Britain are struggling to keep up with rising energy bills. Many may not realize that help is available through energy providers, debt advisers, charities, and government schemes designed … Read More
Police Not Actively Investigating Historic Child Abuse Allegations at Bath's Kingswood School Monday, February 9, 2026 kingswood bath abuse allegations police safeguarding school childhood investigation support Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they are not currently conducting an active investigation into historic child abuse allegations at Kingswood School in Bath. The situation came to light after the independent boarding … Read More
Residential Road Near Chard Reservoir May Become a Permanent 'Green Lane' Monday, February 9, 2026 chard greenlane safety cycling pedestrians somersetcouncil toucheslane traffic consultation activetravel Somerset Council is seeking public input on plans to transform Touches Lane, a quiet residential road near Chard Reservoir, into a ‘green lane’ aimed at improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse … Read More
Five-Year Driving Ban for Man Who Drank 'A Couple of Ports' Before Driving 4x4 Monday, February 9, 2026 drinkdriving ban 4x4 disqualified alcohol police sentencing insurance rehabilitation road safety Trevor Nex, a 43-year-old man from Baytree Farm, Watchfield, Highbridge, has been handed a five-year driving ban for driving his 4x4 under the influence of alcohol. Nex admitted to having “a couple of ports” before taking the … Read More
BBC TV Licence Fee Surpasses Netflix Subscription Cost Ahead of April Rise Monday, February 9, 2026 bbc licencefee streaming netflix disneyplus inflation publicbroadcasting media government subscription The BBC TV licence fee is set to rise from £174.50 to £180 starting 1 April 2026, marking an increase of £5.50 per year. This translates to an extra 46p per month, raising the monthly cost to £15. This hike has drawn … Read More