Somerset: Council Budget Approved

20 February 2014, 15:40

Somerset County Council

A plan to save £10 million, freeze council tax for a fifth year and continue to spend £329m on services was approved after a vote by councillors today.

At a full meeting of Somerset County Council, councillors voted in favour of the proposals. 

The key areas of spending include:

 

  • £160m on looking after vulnerable adults, including support for frail and elderly people as well as those with profound disabilities or learning difficulties.
  • £40m on social services for children, including protecting children from abuse, adoption and fostering services.
  • £46m of capital investment in areas such as roads, street lighting and school buildings
  • Savings will be made in areas such as youth and community services and sheltered housing.

 

Cllr John Osman, Leader of Somerset County Council, said: 

'This was a difficult budget to set and we have had to make some extremely tough decisions. We asked people for their views and listened to their feedback, and I am pleased that we have been able to freeze council tax for a fifth year running.

'While we have had to work hard to make savings, we are still spending more than £300m on key services.'