Environment Agency to Review Somerset Flooding Response After Ministerial Visit Wednesday, February 18, 2026 somerset flooding environment agency response ministerial flooddefences community funding review The Environment Agency (EA) has announced a formal review of its response to the recent flooding in Somerset, following a ministerial visit to the region. Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, … Read More
Fire Service Faces Serious Challenges Without Increased Funding, Warns FBU Wednesday, February 18, 2026 firefighting funding recruitment pay firebrigadesunion devon somerset budget emergency morale The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has issued a stark warning that the fire service in the south west will face “serious challenges” unless the central government provides additional funding to recruit and retain more … 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
Surge in Shoplifting Strains Somerset’s Independent Shops Tuesday, February 17, 2026 shoplifting somerset wells crime retail police theft community cctv funding Shoplifting has reached alarming levels across the UK, and Somerset’s high streets—with their abundance of independent shops—are bearing the brunt of this crisis. Over the past ten months, there have been more than 120 … Read More
Government to Cover 90% of Somerset’s Special Needs Deficit, Averting Bankruptcy Risk Monday, February 16, 2026 somerset send deficit dsg government education funding council welfare insolvency The UK central government has pledged to cover up to 90 percent of Somerset Council’s escalating deficit related to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), substantially lowering the threat of imminent insolvency … Read More
Government to Cover 90% of Somerset Council’s Special Needs Deficit, Averting Financial Crisis Monday, February 16, 2026 somerset send dsg deficit government education funding council reform insolvency The UK central government has announced it will cover up to 90% of Somerset Council’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) deficit, significantly lowering the authority’s risk of imminent financial insolvency. … Read More