Somerset Conservatives have criticised the Liberal Democrat administration after it set council tax at record levels in its latest budget, which Conservative councillors voted against at Full Council.
Speaking during the budget debate, Conservative Opposition Leader Councillor Diogo Rodrigues said the Council had failed to produce a truly balanced financial plan despite receiving a three-year funding settlement and additional income from council tax.
Councillor Rodrigues said the Council is expecting to raise an extra £29 million in council tax this year, leaving many residents questioning what improvements they will see in return for higher bills.
The Council had previously asked Government for permission to raise council tax by up to 11 per cent, a proposal that was rejected. However, Ministers did approve £30 million of Exceptional Financial Support to help the authority balance its finances.
Councillor Rodrigues said the Government had been right to block the proposed increase.
“The Government’s decision to block the 11 per cent council tax rise gave hard-working Somerset families and pensioners some breathing space. On that decision they were absolutely right.”
Councillor Rodrigues also highlighted how the Council’s projected £73 million budget gap quickly fell to £25 million, despite earlier warnings that “heartbreaking decisions” would be required if the 11% council tax rise was refused.
“Residents were told an 11 per cent increase would be needed and that without it there would be painful choices. The Government blocked the rise and suddenly the books were balanced without it. It’s no wonder people tell me they feel misled.”
Concerns Over Financial Management
Somerset Council is among a small minority of authorities nationally that have required Exceptional Financial Support, something Councillor Rodrigues said should raise serious concerns about the administration’s financial management.
He also criticised the Council’s approach to selling assets to support day-to-day spending.
“Assets should not be sold to prop up revenue budgets. You can only sell things once, and residents expect us to get the best value for public money.”
Councillor Rodrigues pointed to the sale of the Marks and Spencer building in Yeovil, which was bought by the Liberal Democrats for £7.65 million and later marketed for £2.8 million, representing a loss of almost £5 million to taxpayers.
Rising Council Tax
Councillor Rodrigues said households across Somerset have seen significant increases in council tax under the Liberal Democrats.
He highlighted that Bridgwater is now the most expensive town in Somerset, with the average household bill rising from around £2,005 in 2022 to almost £2,800 today, an increase of more than £800.
Similar increases have been seen elsewhere across the county including Taunton and Yeovil.
“Council tax levels are hitting record highs while the council continues to struggle to balance its finances. On this trajectory many households will be paying £3,000 in council tax next year. That is the price of an incompetent Liberal Democrat administration”
Conservative Amendment
During the meeting Somerset Conservatives tabled a budget amendment, setting out a Common Sense Plan to start restoring financial stability.
The amendment proposed £26 million of savings over the medium term, including reducing reliance on agency staff and holding a limited number of vacant posts, while reinvesting funding into frontline priorities.
The proposals included additional investment in planning enforcement, Special Educational Needs support, and flood prevention measures such as gully cleaning and road sweeping.
Councillor Rodrigues said the proposal was intended to demonstrate that a different approach was possible.
“Our amendment was a helping hand. It set out how the council could begin restoring financial discipline while investing in the services residents rely on.
The Liberal Democrats chose to reject it, having done everything behind to scenes to block it from being approved, but we believe Somerset deserves a council that lives within its means, protects taxpayers, and focuses on getting Somerset working again.”
Somerset Conservatives voted against the Liberal Democrat budget.
