Somerset Council leader Bill Revans said the situation was not of the council's making

Decision over proposed Somerset council tax rise delayed

Paul JonesFebruary 2, 20260 Comment0

A DECISION over a proposed increase in council tax of up to 11% has been delayed due to a decision from central government being put back.

Somerset Council has moved decision-making timetables for the upcoming budget due to the delaying of the Final Local Government Settlement from the government.

That will now be published on February 9, a week later than previously expected, knocking back the council’s budget-setting process.

That February 9 announcement is expected to confirm whether the council will be allowed to propose an increase in county council tax rates above the referendum limit (4.99%).

It will also confirm whether financial support will be provided to help address the accumulated Dedicated Schools Grant deficit.

Cllr Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, said: “This delay from Government is deeply frustrating. We are having to move our meetings only because the information we need to set a lawful and responsible budget is being provided later than expected.

“This is not a situation of the council’s making, and it is vital that we have the time required to understand the implications fully and make well‑informed decisions on behalf of Somerset residents.”

Given the delays, Somerset Council is adjusting its February and March meetings to ensure members can fully consider the 2026/27 budget:

February 11: Executive meeting focusing on HRA rent setting for 2026/27
February 25: Extraordinary Executive to consider savings, growth, fees and charges and HRA budget recommendations
March 4: Rescheduled Full Council meeting to set the 2026/27 budget
March 5: Reserve Executive date
March 6: Reserve Full Council date

The news comes after the council unveiled proposals to increase council tax rates by around 11% as it attempts to tackle a £73 million funding gap to provide public services.

Part of the effort is a request for permission to increase the council tax by a rate above 4.99%, which would usually require a referendum.

Last year, Somerset Council was allowed to raise the tax rate by 7.49% after the government approved Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) measures and a capitalisation direction, allowing the authority to sell assets or borrow to cover day-to-day funding.

The measures are intended as ‘one-off’ support, but Somerset has once again had to request the allowance.