Amidst rising costs and service demands, Somerset Council has declared a financial emergency, a situation that places the spotlight on Shepton Mallet and its surrounding communities.

With an impending funding gap of £100m for the year 2024/25, propelled by a significant £70m surge in adult social care costs, Somerset Council's actions to avert a crisis echo the strenuous financial positions faced by Birmingham and Woking councils.

The possibility of issuing a S114 notice – a declaration of de facto bankruptcy – looms without decisive intervention.

As part of the measures to combat this fiscal shortfall, council executives have opted to implement stringent controls on spending and accelerate the disposal of commercial investments. Simultaneously, dialogue intensifies with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to seek a viable path forward.

Cllr Liz Leyshon, of Somerset Council, highlights the urgency, "We join a growing list of councils at the brink of a financial emergency. Our expenditure is rapidly outpacing our income generation capabilities, posing a real threat to our services."

In Shepton Mallet, where the council's financial stability directly correlates to the provision of local services, the situation demands immediate attention. Proposals to bridge the budgetary chasm will be considered in December, including the potential sale of council assets, raising taxes, and minimising council services to basic statutory levels.

Council Leader Bill Revans has extended the dialogue to the grassroots level, urging town and parish councils, including those in Shepton Mallet, to take a more proactive role in managing local community assets and services. The call for devolution comes with an understanding that local stewardship may help sustain services potentially compromised by the financial crunch.

As part of his communication, Cllr Revans presents a comprehensive list of services and assets for local councils to potentially adopt, ranging from public amenities to vital environmental services – all of which are crucial to the fabric of Shepton Mallet.

"We are at a crossroads where we must re-evaluate our assets and services," says Cllr Revans. "We are hopeful that the spirit of devolution will resonate with our local councils and empower them to safeguard and possibly enhance community functions that may otherwise falter under financial strain."