North Somerset Faces Further Library Funding Cuts Amid Budget Crisis Friday, February 20, 2026 northsomerset libraries fundingcuts councilbudget libraryclosures community budgetcrisis localgovernment publicservices counciltax North Somerset Council is grappling with worsening financial pressures, planning to slash an additional £50,000 from its library budget—before final decisions on current library closures have even been made. Last year, the … Read More
Just 59 People Respond to £193m Council Budget Consultation Thursday, February 19, 2026 consultation budget counciltax bath recycling publicengagement localgovernment budgetcuts taxrise councilmeeting Only 59 residents took part in the public consultation on Bath and North East Somerset Council’s proposed £193 million budget, an announcement that surprised many at a recent cabinet meeting. The consultation also addressed a … Read More
Somerset Council Tax Support Frozen Until 2027 Amid Legal Challenge Wednesday, February 18, 2026 somerset counciltax judicialreview disabilityrights legalchallenge taxsupport inclusivity localgovernment financialrisk policyupdate Somerset Council has announced that it will maintain its current council tax support scheme without any changes until April 2027, despite an impending judicial review challenging the policy. Earlier this year, the council … Read More
Somerset Council Halts Council Tax Support Changes Amidst Imminent Judicial Review Wednesday, February 18, 2026 somerset counciltax judicialreview disabilityrights legalchallenge publicpolicy socialsupport equality budget governance Somerset Council has announced that no alterations will be made to its council tax support scheme until April 2027, as it prepares to face a judicial review challenge in the High Court. The council had previously revised its … Read More
Somerset Fire Brigade’s Council Tax Share to Increase by £5 Tuesday, February 17, 2026 somerset fireservice counciltax budget firebrigade publicsafety localgovernment funding consultation emergencyservices Starting in April, Somerset residents will see a £5 increase in the fire service portion of their council tax bills. This change, representing a 4.8% rise, aims to ensure that the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service … Read More
Council Proposes Maximum 4.99% Council Tax Increase to Support Social Care Monday, February 16, 2026 counciltax budget socialcare funding prevention bath council localgovernment taxrise budgetcuts Bath and North East Somerset councillors are set to consider a proposed 4.99% increase in council tax as part of the 2026/27 budget plan. The proposal, supported by the council’s cabinet on February 12, now awaits approval … Read More