Somerset Council has postponed its annual budget-setting full council meeting due to delays in receiving funding details from central government. This marks the third consecutive year the council faces uncertainty over exceptional financial support and the possibility of exceeding the council tax referendum limit.
Initially, the council’s executive committee planned to present final budget proposals on February 11, ahead of the full council session in Bridgwater scheduled for February 25. However, these meetings have been postponed after the government delayed the final local government funding settlement. The executive will now meet on February 25, with the full council convening on March 4.
By law, Somerset Council must approve its annual budget by March 11, leaving a narrow window to address any unresolved issues if approval is delayed.
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The council’s current revenue budget gap is approximately £41.4 million, down from £73 million earlier in the year. Filling this shortfall typically requires more than just drawing on reserves.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will release the final local government settlement details on February 9, a week later than originally scheduled. This announcement will confirm whether the council can increase council tax beyond the 4.99% referendum threshold, pending democratic approval, and provide clarity on financial support for the dedicated schools grant deficit, currently overridden by central government.
Decisions around exceptional financial support—which would allow the council to use proceeds from asset sales to fund daily services—may not be finalized until February 20 or later.
Council leader Bill Revans expressed frustration with the delays, stating, “This delay from the government is deeply frustrating. We must postpone our meetings because the critical information needed to set a lawful and responsible budget is arriving later than expected. This is not our doing, and it is essential we have sufficient time to understand the implications and make informed decisions for Somerset residents.”
Despite the delays, the executive will meet on February 11 to set rents for council housing, a meeting strictly limited to this agenda. A special executive meeting on February 25 will then address saving proposals, fee adjustments, and other necessary measures following the release of updated government information.
The full council’s budget approval meeting is now slated for March 4 at the Canalside conference venue in Bridgwater. Should the budget remain unapproved, a backup full council meeting is scheduled for March 6, with a reserve executive meeting planned for the previous day.