Somerset residents face possible 10 per cent council tax rise this spring
Council in talks with government as it aims to close budget gap
Somerset residents may see an increase in their council tax bills this spring as Somerset Council negotiates with the government over its budget.
Discussions are ongoing as the council seeks exceptional financial support to address a £73m funding shortfall.
A final decision on the level of any council tax rise has yet to be made, though it has been suggested that illustrative figures submitted to the government included increases of around 10 per cent.
No formal request has been lodged for an increase above the maximum 4.99 per cent permitted without holding a referendum. Of this figure, two per cent is designated for adult social care and the remainder can be used for other services.
The council leader, Bill Revans, clarified that while illustrative increases have been discussed with the government, they are not formal requests.
He added that Somerset’s council tax bills are currently lower compared to other unitary authorities due to historical freezes, and that rising to the government's average level would require significant approvals.
In the 2024/25 financial year, the council was granted permission for a 7.49 per cent increase, above the 4.99 per cent cap. Councillor Diogo Rodrigues alleged that Somerset Council sought a rise of around 10 per cent for the coming budget, but Revans described these claims as “unhelpful” and emphasized that negotiations remain ongoing.
The government’s financial settlement for local authorities, confirmed in December, will see Somerset Council’s annual grant rise from £249m to £252m for 2026/27. According to Revans, the council continues to face financial challenges stemming from historical decisions and ongoing service demands, particularly in areas like social care.
The full council is expected to meet in Bridgwater on 27th February to finalize the budget. Discussions with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government will continue in the lead-up to this date.