Somerset council tax set to rise by 7.5% as local authority approves budget
The increase means those living in a band D property will pay an additional £129 a year
Somerset Council has voted through plans to set the 2025-26 budget, which will see council tax rise by 7.5%.
The increase means those living in a band D property will pay an additional £129 a year, or £2.49 a week, and means bills for Council Tax payers in Somerset will remain below the national average.
The vote followed a heated debate at Somerset's County Cricket ground, where opposition councillors criticised the tax increase and workforce cuts of 555 jobs.
A number of conservative councillors also spoke out against budget plans to introduce new parking fees on Sundays.
The budget was ultimately approved with 59 votes for and 34 against.
“With costs and demand for our services continuing to soar, we have had no choice but to ask the Government for Exceptional Financial Support," said Council Leader Bill Revans.
“But let’s be clear, this is not a bailout or a long-term solution. We are asking our residents to pay more, and we will be required to sell our assets or borrow money to cover every day running costs.
“It is clear the funding model is broken and I welcome the Government’s commitment for reform to funding in key areas of pressure like social care and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
“The situation for local government remains critical and we need action urgently, or councils like Somerset will simply run out of money.”