Hundreds of jobs at risk in council cuts

Hundreds of jobs could go as Somerset Council attempts to close a budget deficit

Hundreds of jobs could go at Somerset Council over the next few years as part of measures to try and save it millions of pounds.

The Liberal Democrat leader of the council, Bill Revans, said "everything is being considered".

Somerset Council has said it needs to find £100m to avoid going effectively bankrupt.

Cuts to services totalling £35m have been proposed, as well as a possible 10 per cent increase in council tax.

Mr Revans told BBC Radio Somerset's Charlie Taylor: "We're looking at all the assets and property that we have across Somerset to see what is surplus to requirements.

"There will be staff that we will need to lose as part of that transformation programme to save money.

"Every decision is painful - but we do need to balance the books."

Somerset Council had been expecting an estimated budget gap for 2024/25 of £42m but said in November that the forecast had increased to £100m.

The council said the costs of delivering services, particularly adult social care, were rising significantly faster than income.

Proposals include closing five of the county's 16 recycling centres, ending council funding for public toilets and CCTV, cutting highway maintenance and closing two tourism visitor centres.

Somerset Council leader Bill Revans answered questions from BBC Radio Somerset listeners

Carol from Chedzoy asked Cllr Revans: "Shutting off CCTV, keeping parks open, less lifeguards - is this not just making Somerset a more dangerous place to live?"

Cllr Revans responded: "These choices are heartbreaking and none of these are things that we want to do.

"The reality is, with the rising costs of adult and children social care, that is a statutory requirement but it means we are putting other Somerset residents more at risk.

"We are looking to work with partners with the Police Crime and Commissioner and voluntary agencies to serve at least a minimum level of service to keep residents safe still.

"We will leave no stone unturned to keep those services going even if Somerset Council can't fund them."

A public consultation is taking place ahead of the final council budget meeting on 20 February, when a decision on the proposed cuts will be made.