Council’s Library Funding Cuts Spark Community Divide in Somerset Friday, February 27, 2026 libraries somerset council funding cuts community deprivation accessibility services budget Controversy has erupted in Somerset following the recent decision by North Somerset Council to reduce funding for local libraries, igniting tensions between communities. In a bid to trim library budgets by 20%, councillors … Read More
Council’s Library Cuts Spark Community Division and Concerns Over Impact on Vulnerable Residents Friday, February 27, 2026 libraries somerset cuts community council funding deprivation access equality services Library closures and reductions in opening hours across Somerset have ignited tensions, with some councillors warning that these cuts are “pitting one community against the other.” This week, North Somerset Council voted to … Read More
Uncertain Future for 'Pride in Place' Funding in Somerset Friday, February 27, 2026 somerset pride regeneration funding bridgwater burnham highbridge government communities localcouncil The future of ‘pride in place’ funding for extra Somerset areas remains uncertain, as local officials await clarity on whether more neighbourhoods will benefit. The Labour government launched the Pride in Place programme in … Read More
Bath and North East Somerset Council Approves Maximum 4.99% Council Tax Increase Amid Funding Cuts Thursday, February 26, 2026 counciltax funding budget banes government cuts socialcare labour liberaldemocrats localgovernment Bath and North East Somerset Council has approved a 4.99% increase in council tax, the highest allowed without government approval or a public referendum. This increase, effective from April, will raise the average band D … Read More
Somerset Council Commits to Amplifying Children’s Voices in Future SEND Funding Decisions Wednesday, February 25, 2026 somerset send children education funding deficit council wellbeing inclusion dfe Somerset Council has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing children’s well-being in decisions concerning special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) funding. The demand for SEND support has consistently exceeded … Read More
North Somerset Faces New £50,000 Library Funding Cut Amid Ongoing Closures Friday, February 20, 2026 libraries funding cuts northsomerset council budget closures community services localgovernment North Somerset Council is set to impose an additional £50,000 funding cut to its libraries, even as the final decisions about previous closures have yet to be ratified. This new reduction comes after last year’s significant … Read More