Council tax could rise to cover increasing costs

North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell said council tax rates could increase

Council tax could rise by as much as 20% as North Somerset Council juggles the increasing cost of social services.

The authority currently has one of the region's lowest council tax rates, but officials warned its spending could go £25m over budget next year due to the fact its two biggest areas of spending are looking after elderly and disabled adults and children's services.

Council leader Mike Bell may seek permission to increase council tax costs to fill the deficit, as it funds most of the authority's services.

"I would prefer not to put council tax up at all... it's just a broken system and it needs to be fixed," he said.

Mr Bell added: "We're the second lowest council tax in the region. We're around £400 a year cheaper than the equivalent bills in Bristol and yet we're delivering exactly the same services."

North Somerset Council's tax increases are normally limited to 5%, but they have not kept up with rising costs.

Mr Bell said even a 20% increase maybe "wouldn't be enough".

The council is also looking to make savings, with a consultation under way about the future of its libraries.

Branches in Pill, Worle and Winscombe are under threat.

Financially 'off-track'

Bristol City Council is also aiming to reduce its spending as finance officers warned the authority could have a £20m shortfall next year.

Over the next five years, it could rise to £117m.

The authority launched a public consultation to find a solution, with residents asked for their views on what should be prioritised and where money could be cut.

Bristol City Council leader Tony Dyer encouraged residents to respond to the consultation

Council leader Tony Dyer said although the authority was "off-track" for the financial year, it was in a "better" position compared to last year.

He said Bristol and several other cities in the country faced the same funding gaps due to "increased demand for social care and high-needs education".

"I think we do need to have that conversation with central government about how we properly fund local government so we can deliver the services our residents need to the standard that they deserve," Mr Dyer added.

He encouraged residents to respond to the consultation.

"It doesn't mean that everything will be changed, but it does mean that where there are clear, reasonable reasons, we will listen and we will make changes," he said.

Both councils are at an early stage in shaping next year's budget, but both are certain that tax will have to rise, even if some spending cuts are made.