BRIDGWATER politicians have reacted to Somerset Council's recent confirmation of the budget for 2024/25.

The unitary council has had to make 'heart-breaking' decisions to bridge its £100m budget gap, which include a more than 20% staff cutback, cuts to services, a 5% increase to council tax, fees and charges, and selling assets.

The council voted through the plans at their latest meeting on Tuesday, February 20, by 52 votes to nine, with 31 abstentions.

Somerset Council Leader Bill Revans said the council has done everything in its power to avoid an S114 notice.

Read more: Council makes 'heart-breaking' decisions to balance budget for 2024/25

Bridgwater Town and Somerset Councillor Leigh Redman (Labour, Bridgwater North & Central) described the approved budget as a 'nightmare', and called on the Government to provide more funding to local authorities.

“There is talk about making our council the right size – or as it says in an executive paper ‘leaner and more productive organisation’," Cllr Redman said.

"We hear talk about providing statutory services, doing only what we are legally required to do.

"Where does this stop? What we are really talking about is creating a council for the money we have available!"

Cllr Redman also called upon the Government to provide more funding to local authorities.

"The projected savings are of course only good news if they can be met," he said.

"Much of the assurance for savings rely on our staff doing more and/or things in a different way.

"In the coming financial year... we approach further reduction in skilled staff through a transformation program... the full details of which councillors or staff are yet to be told.

"How can you be sure that without action from government to deal with escalating care costs and an depletion in skilled staff increasing our need for expensive consultants and locums - how can you be sure that this combination of unknowns will not trip us over the edge?

"This will erode current standards of delivery and be deeply felt by service users and communities."

However, Claire Sully, parliamentary candidate for the new Bridgwater constituency, said Labour put the future of Somerset Council 'in jeopardy' by voting against the 'vital' budget.

Sully is also a Somerset councillor for the Mendip South division.

“After yesterday’s (Tuesday, February 20) vote, it is clear that Somerset Labour do not have the best interests of our residents in mind,” she said.

“When faced with a clear choice to either vote through a life-saving budget, one which would see the continuation of many crucial services to residents, or risk the financial implosion of the council resulting in a decimation of services that people rely on, they chose the latter.

“Fortunately, their reckless decision to oppose the budget will not result in a Section 114 notice being issued in Somerset, thanks to the work of the Liberal Democrats.”

A link to the Full Council papers, including the final list of savings proposals, can be found at https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=214&MId=7098&Ver=4