Have your say on Somerset Council’s budget

Residents and businesses are encouraged to take part in Somerset Council’s annual budget consultation.

In previous years the budget consultation has helped councillors understand people’s views and priorities as they have taken difficult decisions to save millions of pounds and avoid the threat of a Section 114 Notice – this similar to a bankruptcy notice for councils, issued when they can no longer balance their budgets.

Budget proposals discussed at the Executive meeting on 3rd December show the council is facing a £73m budget gap for 2026-27, reflecting ongoing pressures in areas like social care, children’s services and homelessness, combined with uncertainty in government funding.

Council Leader Cllr Bill Revans said, “We have made savings of at least £50m since becoming a single council, but our finances remain fragile with costs and demand for essential services continuing to rise.

“We are taking action to reduce spending and have saved millions – including by reducing our pay bill by £33m last year. This was an area our residents asked us to look at in previous budget consultations.

“We have a clear long-term plan focused on tough decisions, innovation and partnerships, but we need to ensure we are listening to the views of our residents and businesses. Please take part in our budget consultation and let us know what matters to you.”

The budget consultation will close on 14th January.

Budget proposals will be discussed at Scrutiny Committees through December and January before final decisions are taken to Executive and Full Council in February 2026.

The link to participate can be found on the council’s website, with paper copies available in libraries https://somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/comms/budget-consultation-2026-2027/