£15 Million Investment Approved to Reopen Yeovil’s Iconic Octagon Theatre Sunday, March 8, 2026 octagon theatre yeovil investment somerset renovation culture community funding reopening Plans for a £15 million redevelopment project to reopen The Octagon Theatre in Yeovil have received official approval. The beloved venue, closed since April 2023, is set to undergo extensive renovations starting in the … Read More
BBC TV Licence Fee Faces Calls for Reform Amid Declining Revenue and Criticism Friday, March 6, 2026 bbc licencefee streaming publicbroadcasting funding mediatax britishbroadcasting publicservice revenue mediareform The BBC’s iconic TV licence fee is under growing scrutiny as business leaders declare it “not fit for purpose” in today’s streaming-centric world. Termed by some as a “poll tax for telly,” the fee faces increasing challenges … Read More
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