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
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