Finance Chief Chaos at Somerset Council Tuesday, 14 April, 2026 The Conservative Opposition Group at Somerset Council has criticised the Liberal Democrat administration following the latest failure to appoint a permanent finance chief, known as a Section 151 Officer. The appointed candidate for the role has now withdrawn, meaning the council will continue to rely on interim arrangements to manage its finances, at significant cost to council tax payers... Local News
Lib Dems shift position on SEND delays following pressure from Conservatives 9th April 2026 Somerset Conservatives have welcomed signs that the Liberal Democrat administration is now moving towards investing in SEND services, after previously voting... Local News
Somerset Liberal Democrats refuse to rule out Somerset “tourist tax” 2nd April 2026 Somerset’s Liberal Democrat administration has refused to rule out the introduction of a “tourist tax”, raising concerns for local businesses and the county’s... Local News
Calls to declare 'state of emergency' over Glastonbury van-dwellers 27th March 2026 A Glastonbury councillor has called on Somerset Council to declare a "state of emergency" over the number of van-dwellers in the town. As of February 25 (the... Local News
'Almost no money' for new rural cycle routes in Somerset 17th March 2026 There will be "almost no money" in the next four years to deliver new rural walking and cycling routes across Somerset due to grant funding restrictions... Local News
Somerset Council Spending Over £40 million On Agency Staff Despite Cutting 555 Jobs 11th March 2026 Somerset Conservatives have criticised Liberal Democrat-run Somerset Council after new figures revealed that spending on agency staff and consultants has... Local News
Liberal Democrats Set Council Tax to Record Highs as Conservatives Vote Against Budget 4th March 2026 Somerset Conservatives have criticised the Liberal Democrat administration after it set council tax at record levels in its latest budget, which Conservative... Local News
Conservatives Table £26m Savings Plan to Invest in Services and Restore Financial Stability 2nd March 2026 Somerset Conservatives have tabled a budget amendment setting out proposals that would invest in frontline services, deliver a balanced Medium Term Financial... Local News
Community hospital beds reduced in trial 28th February 2026 Two of Somerset's community hospitals could temporarily lose half their inpatient beds as NHS bosses seek to offer a wider range of local services. The... Local News
Government Minister’s Warning Exposes Liberal Democrat Failures at Somerset Council 24th February 2026 The Government has agreed ‘in principle’ to £30 million of Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) for Somerset as the county struggles to balance the books... Local News
