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Years of government funding reductions combined with rapidly rising demand for services – particularly in adult and children’s social care – have left the authority with stark choices. The situation has been made more precarious by uncertainty created through government funding reforms.
Early analysis of the so-called Fair Funding Review suggests that North Somerset may be even worse off than previously thought leaving a widening gap that no amount of efficiencies can close. The council is continuing to model the data shared by Government but is unlikely to be told the final funding calculations until later this month.
Council Leader Cllr Mike Bell said: “We are in an extremely serious position. After more than a decade of austerity, councils like ours are being pushed to the brink. We have already delivered millions of pounds in savings, but government continues to squeeze funding while shifting more responsibilities onto local councils.
"Despite this, we are still delivering major projects and improving services for our communities. But government has left us with limited levers. If we are forced to seek exceptional financial support, residents should be under no illusion about what that means. It comes with conditions and it means council tax rises that fall directly on local people. This is not a choice we take lightly. It is a consequence of government policy."
The council will publish its draft budget proposals for consultation later this month. Options under consideration include:
- Service redesign and transformation to deliver efficiencies.
- Income generation and revised fees and charges.
- Exploring exceptional financial support from government.
- Further savings across all directorates, some of which may impact service levels.
Residents will be invited to have their say on the proposals before the budget is finalised in February.
Cllr Bell went on to explain: “We cannot continue to face a financial cliff-edge built into the system every single year. It is not fair on our communities and it’s not fair on our staff who want to do their best for our residents. Government has created this crisis and only government can fix it. Councils need fair funding and long-term stability, not another round of cuts packaged as reform."
The council's Cabinet will meet next week on Wednesday 10 December at 2.30pm to discuss the Medium-Term Financial Plan and Revenue Budget. The meeting is open to the public and can also be viewed on the council's YouTube channel. Papers for all the reports being discussed at the meeting are available on the council's website: Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 10th December, 2025, 2.30 pm | North Somerset Council