Somerset’s two dominant political parties are at loggerheads following a scathing independent review of the county council’s financial management.
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) conducted an independent audit of Somerset Council’s finances, revealing serious concerns about the council’s leadership and organisational culture. The council was awarded a mere one star out of five for its financial management.
The Conservative Party, currently the official opposition, criticized the council for its slow progress in implementing a much-needed transformation programme. The Tories vowed to restore financial stability after next year’s local elections, accusing the Liberal Democrats of leaving behind a “financial mess.”
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In response, the ruling Liberal Democrats insisted they have been working tirelessly to control spending and manage inherited problems. They accused the Conservatives of making critical decisions before the new unitary authority was established and warned that alternative approaches would have pushed the council toward bankruptcy.
Key findings from the CIPFA review highlighted the council’s lack of accountability, weak financial controls, and failure to instigate necessary cultural change.
Councillor Dawn Denton, shadow portfolio holder for finance, condemned the report, stating:
“This is one of the most serious independent assessments Somerset Council could receive. After four years under Lib Dem control and three years managing the new unitary authority, the council’s financial management has been rated just one star by CIPFA, the UK’s leading public finance body. Independent watchdogs have repeatedly warned that the council is not moving fast enough to secure its financial future. The report highlights a persistent lack of pace, accountability, and effective financial management.”
Opposition leader Councillor Diogo Rodrigues warned that the findings should serve as a caution for voters ahead of the 2027 local elections.
“Somerset taxpayers have already seen over £19 million spent on consultants and transformation efforts in just three years, yet CIPFA finds financial management remains weak,” he said. “Council tax has risen sharply, services are struggling, and the council depends on emergency financial support and asset sales to balance the books. We have cleaned up this financial mess before, and we stand ready to do so again.”
Council leader Bill Revans placed much of the blame on the prior Conservative administration, pointing to decisions made before the unitary authority’s formation. He emphasized ongoing efforts to improve the council’s financial health.
“Somerset Council faces a tough, inherited financial position left by the previous Conservative leadership,” Revans said. “This low rating reflects their decision to adopt the MS Dynamics financial system despite warnings. We have worked hard to reduce the deficit from £123 million when we declared a financial emergency. We are on a path to recovery, aiming for a balanced budget without exceptional support for 2027/28. Alternative options could have led to bankruptcy, large council tax hikes, commissioners taking control, asset stripping, and severe cuts to services.”