SAVINGS of almost £60 million – £20m in the 2026/27 financial year – have been approved in North Somerset, meaning an 8.99% council tax increase.

Yesterday (February 24), North Somerset Council (NSC) agreed the budget for the coming financial year, aiming to “protect the essential services that residents rely on, especially care and support for children, families, and older people”.

The authority said to protect the services, it would make the almost-£60m in savings between 2025 and 2030, with £20m planned for April 2026 to March 2027.

NSC also approved the “one-year exceptional council tax increase” – above the legally-allowed 4.99% without a referendum – which was recently allowed by the Government.

The council said savings and tax increases were required as “demand and costs have increased sharply in children’s and adult services”, with around £62 of every £100 the council spends now going on those services.

At the same time, the council’s funding has reduced, including an £18.6m reduction following the Government’s recent funding review.

Despite balancing the books for the coming year, the council warned it faces a forecast budget gap of more than £22.5m for 2027 to 2030.

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The 8.99% council tax increase means an average Band D property will pay £1,955 in 2026/27 for NSC services – below the national average of £2,062.

For a Band D property, the change is about £3.10 a week, or £13.44 a month, compared with the current amount.

Cllr Mike Bell, NSC leader, said: “We know any increase in council tax is hard for household budgets. We have agreed this exceptional one year rise to protect vital local services and meet our legal duty to set a balanced budget.

“The Government’s £6m cut to our grant is almost pound for pound the £5.9m we must raise through this exceptional council tax increase, this is a decision made in Westminster and Whitehall, and paid for by local residents.

“We have also approved a major savings programme, and we will keep focusing on value for money and redesigning services so support reaches the people who need it most.

“Help is available for residents who may struggle to pay. If you are eligible for council tax reduction, your bill will be adjusted automatically, but get in touch with us to see what other help is on offer.

“Looking ahead, the pressure on council budgets has not gone away. We will keep working with government and partners to secure a fairer, more sustainable funding system for adult social care and children’s services.”
Council tax bills will be sent out to households next month, with households qualifying for a reduction having their bill adjusted automatically.

For more information on council tax support and benefits for people on low incomes in North Somerset, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/calculator.

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