Somerset Council could sell part of County Hall to raise money

C block at the County Hall complex in Taunton could be put up for sale

Part of County Hall in Taunton could be sold to save Somerset Council money.

C Block is one of a number of buildings being looked at by the local authority to reduce running costs and generate income.

The changes are being considered because the council has too many offices after five councils merged to form the new unitary authority in 2023.

It is hoped the money saved will help the council balance its books next year.

The plans, discussed by the council's scrutiny committee this week, also include moving a customer services hub at Petters House to Yeovil Library.

Meanwhile in Williton, the Children's Centre and Library and services at Beckett House could move to West Somerset House.

West Somerset House in Williton which could be the new home of Williton Children's Centre and Williton Library

A report produced for the scrutiny committee to consider said all the services currently provided in these buildings will continue to run, but from a different location.

The council said it is investigating the changes because it inherited too many offices during the unitary council merger, and blamed a dramatic shift in the way offices are used post the Covid-19 pandemic.

This is the first phase of the council's so-called "property rationalisation programme" which will examine ways to reduce the council's property portfolio over the next two to three years.

The local authority owns around 150 buildings in total.

Its overall aim is to reduce running costs, the council's carbon footprint and generate funds.

A final decision on the County Hall plans is due to be made by 4 April.