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Savings plans of over £45.8m were released last week which will be discussed by the council’s Executive this week (Wednesday 4 December). They include a number of saving proposals which, if approved, could see council services change, reduce or stop as North Somerset Council aims to balance its books.
The proposals include millions of pounds in efficiency savings, service transformation proposals and changes to staffing structures to reduce costs. However, the proposals also include impacts for residents and businesses including reducing grounds maintenance, changes to street cleaning and a review of library services.
The survey runs from now until 13 January 2025 and can be found at: North Somerset Council budget consultation 2025/2028 - North Somerset Council Consultations
Residents are asked for any comments they have on the proposed budget, the savings proposals listed, whether they’d support a further increase in council tax, would consider helping pay for services through a voluntary contribution, what the council’s top priority should be for the coming year and how the savings proposed could affect residents.
Cllr Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council said: “The demand for and cost of providing services has increased significantly over the past decade and this has made the job for councils much harder. We are having to make tough decisions to protect vital services as best we can and continue to deliver low cost, good quality services for our residents. We are not shying away from the challenge.
“I know that residents sometimes feel they don’t get a lot for their money from the council. But as well as the visible services like bin collections and road maintenance, there are hundreds of other services we are providing every day. From tackling homelessness to delivering social care, from supporting schools to running leisure centres. Your council taxes help to pay for it all and the work we need to do together to make North Somerset a better place to live.
“We want everyone to have their say on how we do this. Like many councils across the country, we’re facing a huge financial challenge and every North Somerset resident and business could be affected by the proposals we’ve put forward. It’s important you have your say now and tell us what our plans may mean to you, your family, your community and your business. All comments will help us understand any potential impacts and will help us to make an informed decision in February when we come to agree the budget.”
The council will also be holding a series of workshops over the coming weeks to run through the draft budget. Cllr Mike Bell, Leader of the Council, will be hosting the workshops and will be joined by members of the Executive and council officers. If you’d like to attend one of these virtual workshops, please join our citizens panel at North Somerset Citizens' Panel - your voice | North Somerset Council.
Alternatively, the council is also hosting two ‘budget drop-in’ sessions which are open to all residents and partners. No need to book, just drop by. These are taking place at:
- Tuesday 10 December between 3pm and 6pm at the council’s Castlewood office in Clevedon. Please arrive at reception and a staff member will meet you there.
- Wednesday 11 December between 3pm and 5pm at the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare. Please arrive at the Old Town Hall entrance and make your way into the council chamber.
North Somerset Council has also launched an online petition at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/fairdeal calling on the government to provide a ‘fair deal’ to the people of North Somerset.
North Somerset Council loses out on £50 million per year compared to neighbouring authorities as funding for local government is based on outdated measures. The government has confirmed it is reviewing funding options beyond 2025/26 but the council is concerned that any changes may not come soon enough.
Local residents are invited to sign the petition and say how unfair it is that the council is considering stopping or reducing key services because of the way local government is funded. This petition will then be delivered to central government. Sign the petition at: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/fairdeal