North Somerset residents face the prospect of paying more council tax while receiving fewer services, as top council leaders outlined the dire financial situation during a recent public budget Q&A.
The council’s upcoming budget—set for a crucial vote in February—will decide both council tax increases and significant service cuts. Facing a potential financial collapse and the threat of issuing a section 114 notice, the council urgently seeks government approval for an exceptional council tax hike.
Council leader Mike Bell (Weston-super-Mare Central, Liberal Democrat) revealed that a projected £24 million reduction in government funding over the next three years has pushed the council to its breaking point. Rising social care costs, driven by increased demand as people live longer with complex needs, have long strained the council’s finances.
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During a December 16 Facebook livestream, Bell and three senior cabinet members answered residents’ questions, offering a frank view of the challenges:
“We’re honestly spending more than we’re bringing in,” Bell said. Social care, which now consumes nearly two-thirds of council spending, faces rising costs without targeted government funding. Concurrently, government grants have been slashed by approximately 25%, intensifying financial pressures.
Bell explained, “Costs and demand for services are climbing, while available funding isn’t keeping pace. This has led to severe financial strain over the past few years.”
To address this, the council plans a dynamic transformation program focused on delivering services differently—likely reducing or stopping some services—and pursuing council tax increases.
“We don’t have reserves to balance next year’s budget,” Bell stated. “All options must be used, including asking residents to pay more.”
While council tax rises are typically capped at 4.99%, North Somerset is requesting exceptional government permission to exceed this limit to cover soaring social care expenses. Bell admitted, “We will be asking you to pay more and you will receive fewer services,” though the exact increase remains uncertain pending government funding decisions.
Noting North Somerset’s council tax is currently among the lowest nationally—about £1,794 annually for an average Band D property—Bell highlighted disparities: the government assumes similar councils charge around £2,060. He emphasized efforts to lobby for better funding to avoid large tax hikes.
Legal mandates require the council to provide social care, but without corresponding government funding—leaving little scope for income generation beyond council tax and fees.
Council cabinet members also stressed ongoing efficiency initiatives. Deputy leader Catherine Gibbons (Weston-super-Mare Milton, Labour) highlighted successful use of artificial intelligence to speed educational health care plans for children, and progress building two new residential children’s homes to reduce reliance on costly private placements close to families.
Environment Cabinet member Annemieke Waite (Winford, Green) detailed savings from switching black bin waste collections to every three weeks, reducing landfill waste by 15% and boosting recycling rates—including an innovative weekly soft plastics collection praised by residents.
The council’s approach to local devolution enables town and parish councils to take over assets like play areas and allotments, increasing local control but possibly raising smaller precepts on residents’ bills.
Responding to criticism over senior staff salaries—such as the newly appointed CEO’s circa £170,000 pay—Bell noted that social care costs dwarf these figures, and that council pay scales align with national standards.
Despite calls for resignations amid public frustration, Bell reaffirmed the council’s commitment to confronting these challenges head-on: “Walking away is not a solution. We are here to make tough decisions and improve North Somerset, even under difficult circumstances.”
He encouraged respectful scrutiny and reminded residents: “Elections in 2027 give you the chance to choose a different path if you’re unhappy.”