North Somerset Council has warned of “tough decisions” as it takes “urgent steps” to reduce spending and protect key services. 

The council’s executive will meet on Wednesday 4 December to discuss proposals for spending reductions totalling £45.8 million in a bid to balance its books. 

North Somerset Council is facing an unprecedented financial challenge due to increasing demand, particularly in adult and children’s services.  

Data from the council showed that the amount spent on providing support for looked after children doubled between the years 2021/22 to 2023/24.  

In order to support and care for increasing numbers of vulnerable adults and children within North Somerset communities, the council has said it has no choice but to consider increasing income and spending less on other services. 

READ MORE: Portishead businesses give views on end to free parking | North Somerset Times

READ MORE: Clevedon bathing water quality is 'good', data shows | North Somerset Times

It has described its situation as “financial emergency” and is in danger of issuing a section 114 notice — effectively declaring bankruptcy — if it cannot balance its in-year budget. 

At the last executive meeting in October, the difference between the council’s income and forecast spend was £53m for 2025-28.  

After considerable focus on reviewing all areas of spend, including proposals published today, this has now been reduced to £7.4m – with £2.5m still to be found by February for the 2025-26 financial year. 

The executive will meet next week to review the list of council savings proposed totalling £45.8m for years 2025 to 2028 - with £21.7m expected to be delivered during the next 2025/26 financial year.  

Leader of North Somerset Council, Cllr Mike Bell said additional funding from the government has not been the “financial lifeline” the council needs. 

“No decisions have yet been made and no stone has been left unturned as we’ve looked to bridge our funding gap,” he said. 

“Although the additional funding announced by government was welcome, it wasn’t the financial lifeline we needed. Like many other councils, we still face having to make tough savings decisions which will affect the lives of residents.  

“No one comes into Local Government to make these kind of decisions and we wouldn’t be making these proposals if we didn’t have to. We are urgently asking central government for a ’fair deal’ for North Somerset when they come to issue their Local Government Settlement in December and know they are listening.  

“We are urging the government to break away from years of cuts to council budgets and instead find solutions that will help us rise to the challenge of our current financial emergency.” 

Over the last two months, the council has engaged with residents from across the area to hear from people who live and work within our communities to understand the priorities and issues that affect them.  

This has fed into the council’s planning with all suggestions considered and evaluated.  

A second phase of formal budget consultation will take place shortly, remaining open until the new year.  

An update will be provided at February Executive so councillors can consider the feedback from local residents and other stakeholders before final decisions on the budget are made. 

Cllr Bell added: “As in previous years, the savings list includes some incredibly difficult choices and many of these will be very challenging to deliver as residents will see noticeable reductions to the service we currently provide.  

“However, as the council still has a budget gap of over £2.5m to find for next year with more to find in the future, the council must consider all of these proposals as we try to balance the budget.” 

The council said it will be taking all steps to ensure that proposed budget changes are assessed so it can fully understand the potential equalities impact there might be on protected groups and how these could be mitigated or reduced.