Somerset Council placed under Government watch

By Laura Linham 16th Jul 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 3 hours ago

Somerset Council has been placed under closer Government watch because of concerns about its finances and services.

A Best Value Notice was issued on Wednesday, 15 July. It means the council must show ministers that it is improving and dealing with its financial problems.

The notice is serious, but it is not a Government takeover. Somerset Council will continue to make local decisions and run services across the county.

Ministers said the authority remained in a "fragile financial position" and needed to make changes more quickly.

The Government highlighted the council's low reserves, reliance on emergency financial support and problems identified by external auditors.

It also raised concerns about pressure on children's services, adult social care and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The council has been told to improve its financial management and speed up its transformation plans. Ministers want clear evidence that the changes are saving money and improving services.

Somerset Council must meet Government officials at least once every three months to discuss its progress.

Its independent improvement board will also be expected to publish regular reports. These will explain what has improved, what remains at risk and whether the council is meeting its targets.

The notice will be reviewed after 12 months. It could be removed earlier if enough progress is made, or escalated if ministers remain concerned.

Somerset Council said it recognised the seriousness of the announcement but stressed that improvement work was already under way.

The authority pointed to its independent Improvement Advisory Board and programmes designed to strengthen its finances and change the way services are delivered.

It said rising costs and demand in social care, children's services, SEND and homelessness had placed increasing pressure on its budget.

The council has also committed £5.3 million to improve SEND services, reduce delays and provide better support for children and families.

Council leader Bill Revans said essential services would continue and local decisions would remain with Somerset Council.

"We recognise the seriousness of today's announcement and we accept the need to demonstrate continued improvement," he said.

Cllr Revans said the authority aimed to set a balanced budget in 2027-28 without relying on further Exceptional Financial Support.

He added that the council's priorities remained protecting vital services, supporting vulnerable residents and putting its finances on a sustainable footing.