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To do this, councillors approved a programme of savings worth almost £60m between 2025 and 2030, with £20m planned for delivery in 2026/27. They also agreed a one year exceptional council tax increase of 8.99 per cent, after the Government gave the council permission to raise council tax above the usual limit.
Demand and costs have increased sharply in children’s and adult services. Around £62 of every £100 the council spends now goes on these services. At the same time, the council’s funding has reduced, including a £18.6m reduction following the Government’s recent funding review.
Even with a balanced budget for 2026/27, the council still faces a forecast budget gap of more than £22.5m for 2027 to 2030.
The Government has agreed that North Somerset Council can increase its share of council tax for one year only by 8.99 per cent.
This means:
- An average Band D property will pay £1,955 in 2026/27 for North Somerset Council services.
- This remains below the national average of £2,062, and North Somerset is still among the lowest council tax areas in the South West.
- For a Band D property, the change is about £3.10 a week, or £13.44 a month, compared with the current amount.
Cllr Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said: “We know any increase in council tax is hard for household budgets. We have agreed this exceptional one year rise to protect vital local services and meet our legal duty to set a balanced budget.
“The Government’s £6m cut to our grant is almost pound for pound the £5.9m we must raise through this exceptional council tax increase, this is a decision made in Westminster and Whitehall, and paid for by local residents.
“We have also approved a major savings programme, and we will keep focusing on value for money and redesigning services so support reaches the people who need it most.
“Help is available for residents who may struggle to pay. If you are eligible for council tax reduction, your bill will be adjusted automatically, but get in touch with us to see what other help is on offer.
“Looking ahead, the pressure on council budgets has not gone away. We will keep working with government and partners to secure a fairer, more sustainable funding system for adult social care and children’s services.”
Council tax bills will be sent out to households next month. Households which qualify for council tax reduction will have their bill adjusted automatically. Information about a range of support and benefits for people on low incomes is available on the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/calculator.
To read a copy of the council report in full, visit Agenda for Council on Tuesday, 24th February, 2026, 6.00 pm | North Somerset Council.