Somerset Council allowed to raise tax by 7.5%

Somerset residents could see their council tax bills rise by 7.5% this year.

The standard increase allowed by the government is 5% each year but Somerset Council has been given permission to go above this figure as it is under significant financial pressure, particularly in relation to social care.

It is facing a funding gap of around £66m for 2025/26. The council will now meet to decide whether to confirm the increase.

Council leader Bill Revans said: "Obviously nobody likes paying council tax and we don't like raising it but this is the situation that Somerset Council finds itself in."

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on Monday confirmed Somerset Council would be allowed to raise council tax by up to 7.5%.

But as the increase will not raise enough money to fill the gap, Somerset Council will also be reliant on an extension of its "capitalisation direction" – a minister-approved scheme allowing it to sell assets or borrow money to fund day-to-day running costs.

Mr Revans added: "Somerset residents will still pay less than the national average, less than our neighbouring councils in Dorset and Wiltshire after this rise.

"We do welcome it, but it won't fundamentally solve the problems local government find themselves in.

"We will need to consider the implications before we finalise our budget proposals for debate and decision at full council."

Somerset Council's budget will be discussed at meetings on 19 and 26 February.

Agendas and papers will be published in advance and the public is encouraged to attend.

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