Libraries may close as council plans £45m of cuts

North Somerset Council is facing a "significant financial challenge"

Libraries could close and council taxes could rise for north Somerset residents as the council attempts to plug a £53m gap in its finances.

North Somerset Council asked residents if they could donate up to £1,000 as councillors also consider an unprecedented 15% tax rise.

The authority, which is run by a cross-party coalition, faces a £53m funding gap over the next three years and could effectively be declared bankrupt if savings are not found.

A meeting of North Somerset Council's cabinet earlier agreed to press ahead with a £45m savings programme.

The leader, Liberal Democrat Mike Bell, said residents would notice a reduction in services.

"There's no other way of doing it," he said.

"We can't generate enough income or grants from governments to balance the books and we have got to do things differently."

Options considered

At the same time a consultation is under way asking people if they would be prepared to pay more.

Options include a 15% council tax increase, and making a voluntary donation of up to £1,000.

An official council report said it would "explore a new delivery model including reducing the number of library sites".

North Somerset currently has 12 libraries, and those that are least used could be vulnerable, such as Pill Library and Children's Centre or Winscombe Library.

'Focus on efficiency'

Bell said: "We're trying to focus on efficiency and transformation to do things better and more effectively.

"But the bottom line is people will notice a difference because you can't make £45m worth of cuts and it not have an effect."

North Somerset Council said its council tax was lower than neighbouring councils, so when residents get a percentage increase each year, it amounts to less money comparatively.

The government is expected to announce the local government finance settlement later this month.