Cllr Claire Sully – Monthly Councillor Resident Update
A Council Rebuilt, the story of Somerset Council, 2023–2026
When Somerset Council came into being in April 2023, it inherited far more than a map and a name.
Local government reorganisation, set in motion under the previous Conservative administration back in 2018, had left the new authority facing serious structural and financial pressures from day one. A new finance system, relatively untested for local government use, went live just as the huge unitary council was trying to find its feet. Staff pay and conditions hadn’t been updated in years. And a budget for adult social care that hadn’t been properly re-based for some time meant trouble was already brewing beneath the surface.
By the autumn of that first year, the scale of the inheritance was clear. Somerset declared a Financial Emergency in November 2023 — a stark moment, but also the point at which the work of rebuilding truly began. Since then, the council has focused on increasing stability, honesty with residents, and steady, careful delivery.
What’s been achieved since
- Restructured senior leadership, saving £2.6 million from the council’s paybill.
- Delivered a council-wide restructure, reducing posts by more than 550 full-time-equivalent roles and saving a further £33 million from the paybill.
- Completed all 11 sets of accounts inherited from the predecessor councils — something many other new unitary authorities have still not managed.
- Secured £120 million in Exceptional Financial Support from Government over three years to avoid a Section 114 notice, covered by sale of assets to avoid further borrowing.
- Launched a transformation programme trialling new ways of helping people stay independent in their own homes for longer.
- Implemented a new HR system, replacing ageing infrastructure inherited from the old council.
- Developed a new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Reform Plan and Deficit Management Plan, to gain a grant from Government of 90% of the accumulated deficit.
- Developed a whole council transformation programme to improve outcomes and make savings from all the council’s directorates.
The story isn’t finished, far from it. There’s still a budget gap to close, savings to deliver in full while improving services. But three years on from a difficult start, Somerset Council looks like an authority that has learned from what came before — steadier, more resilient, and more honest with residents about both its challenges and its progress.
Monthly Somerset Council Update:
Safety works at collision site to start in July
A £4 million scheme to replace the dangerous Whitnell Corner junction near Wells with a roundabout will begin on 6 July, with a 24/7 road closure in place until the end of the year.
The B3139/B3135 junction has seen 67 collisions over 20 years, including 15 serious incidents and one fatality. The funding for this comes from a government capital grant funding allocated for road safety schemes.
Council awards new leisure contract
Following the administration of Fusion Lifestyle, Somerset Council awarded an interim two-year contract to Freedom Leisure from 1st of July 2026 to run five East Somerset leisure centres: Frome Leisure Centre, Strode Swimming and Fitness in Street, Shepton Mallet Lido, Tor Sports and Leisure in Glastonbury, and Wells Leisure Centre. Memberships, bookings and events continue as normal, with a longer-term contract expected to be tendered in 2028.
Council Leader hails £50m flood resilience fund as a fantastic opportunity for Somerset
Somerset Council has been awarded £50m from DEFRA to invest in flood resilience and prevention, following Floods Minister Emma Hardy’s visit to Somerset — at the invitation of Lib Dem MP Sarah Dyke — during the major incident declared after Storm Chandra earlier this year. The funding will support a two-year programme covering engineering improvements, natural flood management, property-level protection and community engagement. Council Leader Bill Revans welcomed the announcement, saying “this is a fantastic opportunity and we know our communities will want to input into the programme to ensure we are taking full advantage of the funding.”
M5 J26 wins world-class recognition for Somerset infrastructure
Somerset Council’s Infrastructure Programmes Group (IPG), working with partners AECOM and Heidelberg Materials, had a landmark week at national awards in London. The M5 Junction 26 Chelston Link Project took the top prize in the ‘Project Excellence and Innovation Award’ at the NEC Contracts Annual Awards 2026, beating international competition including a £5bn highway project in Hong Kong and the UK’s first all-electric prison. The same week, the IPG was commended in the ‘Team of the Year’ category at the CIHT Awards 2026. Since 2015 the IPG has delivered over £110 million of strategic highway infrastructure, and the M5 J26 project has also been recognised this year at the Decarbonising Transport Awards and the CIHT South West Awards for its sustainability credentials. Lead Member for Highways Cllr Richard Wilkins said the wins show Somerset is “delivering infrastructure projects that stand alongside some of the very best in the world.”
Somerset Council to invest £5.3m to improve SEND support and reduce delays for families Executive will be asked on 1 July to approve £5.331m over two years to increase SEND capacity, clear assessment backlogs, improve the timeliness of EHCPs, and expand Preparation for Adulthood support. Somerset currently has 6,578 children with EHCPs — up from 2.6% of pupils in 2019/20 to 5.8% today. Funding would be drawn from the Business Risk Reserve and used for additional Educational Psychologists, SEND officers, and temporary staffing, with progress monitored in stages.
Help shape Somerset’s future: have your say on council priorities
Somerset Council has launched its Summer Budget Consultation for 2027/28, asking residents what they value most to help guide future spending decisions. The council has saved £135m since 2023 but continues to face rising demand for services. The consultation closes 27 July — residents can respond at somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com.
Council Tax and Benefits system upgrade: what residents need to know
Somerset Council is in the final stages of merging its legacy district Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rates systems into one. The system has been unavailable since 25 June, with the exact return date subject to progress. Housing benefit payments and direct debits are continuing as normal, and online payments remain available, but most online forms and the new customer portal are offline until the upgrade is complete. Further information is available here.
Somerset pupils shine at the 2026 Somerset Children’s Parliament competition
Primary schools from across Somerset came together for this year’s Children’s Parliament competition, organised by Somerset Council’s ITT and Training team and Somerset Youth Parliament, giving pupils a platform to develop confidence, presentation and oracy skills while having their voices heard by local councillors and community leaders. Winners included St George’s Catholic School, Taunton (celebrating diversity) and Parkfield Primary School, Taunton (health and wellbeing), with runners-up from Leigh on Mendip and Ashcott Primary. Schools interested in taking part next year can contact SCIL@somerset.gov.uk.
Somerset Council backs gambling harm campaign during football tournament
Somerset Council is supporting the national “Odds Are They Win” campaign, which aims to raise awareness of gambling harm during this summer’s international football tournament and challenge the stigma that prevents people seeking help. Free support is available through the South West Gambling Service on 0330 022 3175.
Full business case for A38 major road network submitted to government
Somerset and North Somerset Councils have submitted the Full Business Case for the A38 Major Road Network project to the Department for Transport, covering improvements at nine locations between Barrow Tanks and the Edithmead Roundabout (M5 J22), including road capacity upgrades, new pedestrian and cycling crossings, and widening of the Strawberry Line path. The DfT will now decide whether to approve funding.
What do you think Somerset should look like in the future?
Somerset Council has launched a five-week Scoping Consultation (Regulation 20) on the Somerset Local Plan 2045, running from 19 June to 24 July 2026. Residents and businesses are invited to share views on what the plan should cover, the vision and outcomes for Somerset, and options for where development could be located across towns, villages and countryside over the next 20 years. At this stage the consultation covers the scope of the plan, an engagement plan, a spatial strategy with options for where development could go, and a sustainability appraisal of those options — but no specific sites are proposed yet. Have your say at somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com.
Somerset projects celebrated with countryside awards success
Two Somerset Council projects won recognition at the CPRE Somerset Love Your Countryside Awards: the Ham Hill Country Park heritage programme — delivering new trails, an accessible visitor centre and improved biodiversity — and the Rainbow Way development in Minehead, which delivered 54 new energy-efficient council homes, the first in a generation.
Somerset partnership wins national teaching award on Thank a Teacher Day
The Imagine the Possibilities partnership with Somerset schools and colleges — supporting young people with SEND to explore careers and build confidence — has won a Silver Pearson National Teaching Award in the School or College Partnership of the Year category, with the award presented at Fiveways School. The partnership is now in the running for a Gold Award, to be announced at a national ceremony in London and on BBC One’s The One Show later this year.
High-flying businesses land drone skills training
Somerset Council’s Local Growth Deal funded a free 10-week Skills Bootcamp in Drone Use, delivered by Yeovil College and iProSurv, giving businesses across the county hands-on drone flying experience and CAA certification, with applications spanning construction, agriculture, surveying and public services.
Somerset Council responds to Children’s Services Ofsted report
Ofsted rated Somerset Children’s Services as ‘requires improvement’ across three of four themes, with a ‘good’ rating for support to care leavers. Inspectors praised the dedication of staff and positive outcomes for children in foster care, but noted that some children don’t receive support quickly enough and too many live in care homes rather than with foster families. The council has committed to expanding foster carer recruitment and strengthening multi-agency working to address the findings.
Somerset’s young storytellers invited to turn food recycling into a winning tale
Children aged 4 to 11 are invited to write a short story (up to 500 words) on the theme of food recycling for a chance to win book vouchers, with a £200 school prize also on offer. Entries can be emailed to recycle@somerset.gov.uk or dropped at any Somerset library by 14 September 2026.
Somerset programme supporting young people with SEND wins prestigious national award Imagine the Possibilities — Somerset’s supported internship programme for young people with SEND — won silver in the Diversity and Inclusion category at the 2026 LGC Awards, having grown from a single placement to 15 programmes across Somerset supporting more than 100 young people each year into paid employment.
Flag raising in support of Armed Forces Day Somerset Council and Taunton Town Council marked Armed Forces Day with a flag-raising ceremony at County Hall, with the Armed Forces Day flag flown at council offices across the county ahead of Armed Forces Day on 27 June. Somerset Armed Forces Day took place as a free family event at Vivary Park, Taunton on 4 July, featuring arena events, fly-pasts and military displays.
The World Cup: No excuse for domestic abuse
Somerset Council and partners across Avon and Somerset are urging residents to stay alert to the signs of domestic abuse during the World Cup, when heightened emotions and increased alcohol use are linked to a rise in incidents nationally. Partners stress that football is not the cause — abuse is caused solely by the behaviour of the perpetrator. Domestic abuse accounts for around 20% of police work in Avon and Somerset. Anyone experiencing abuse, or concerned about someone else, can contact the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service confidentially on 0800 694 9999 or at somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk. Support is also available for perpetrators who want to change their behaviour.
Celebrating Refugee Week with courage
Somerset Council marked Refugee Week 2026 (15–21 June) by celebrating the contributions of displaced people in Somerset’s communities, with the Displaced People Service attending libraries and community venues across the county. The service supports refugees and asylum seekers with housing, education, employment and integration, helping families feel safe and able to live independently.
Chair appointed for £20 million Pride in Place programme board in Bridgwater South
Sam Smith, a lifelong Hamp Estate resident and grassroots community volunteer, has been appointed Chair of the Pride in Place board for Bridgwater South — a 10-year government programme bringing up to £20 million to one of 169 deprived areas selected across England. A community board is now being formed — visit the Council’s Pride in Place page for details on how to get involved.
Have your say on plans to expand SEN support in Somerset schools
Somerset Council consulted on proposals to expand specialist SEN provision across four schools — Hindhayes Infant School in Street, Holway Park Primary in Taunton, Oaklands Primary in Yeovil, and Polden Bower School in Bridgwater — creating new units, extra classrooms and more specialist places to help children stay in their local communities. The consultation closes on 10 July.
Non-black plastic plant pots now recyclable from home
Under the new national Simpler Recycling regulations, non-black plastic plant pots can now go in Somerset’s Bright Blue Bag — clean and empty. Black plant pots remain unrecyclable due to their pigment not being recognised by sorting machines, and should continue to go in the rubbish bin or be reused.
Somerset Council responds to Care Quality Commission report
The CQC rated Somerset’s adult social care as ‘requires improvement’ following an assessment in September 2025, with concerns about the timeliness of assessments and reviews, support for unpaid carers, and use of data. However, inspectors also noted positive innovation, including Somerset’s use of village and community leaders as trusted local contacts and good provision for people in rural areas. The council says significant progress has already been made since the assessment, including a new 24-hour self-service tool for carers and an oversight group to prioritise assessments.
Formal consultation opens on proposed changes to education structures in Frome
Somerset Council has been consulting on a proposal to move Frome from a three-tier (first, middle and upper) to a two-tier (primary and secondary) education system from September 2028, with 14 primary schools and 2 secondary schools serving the area. An earlier informal consultation received over 800 responses, with 71% supporting the change. The formal consultation closes on 10th of July.
Somerset Council sets out next steps in SEND reform
Somerset Council submitted its SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education in June, setting out how schools, health services and care providers will work together to deliver earlier, more inclusive support for children with SEND. If approved by the DfE, up to 90% of Somerset’s historic Dedicated Schools Grant deficit could be written off, putting local SEND services on a more sustainable financial footing.
Report it first: Useful Links to share with your communities
Visit – Report a Problem on the Road – A list of all reporting pages to do with roads, pavements, lighting: Report a problem on the road
Potholes and road damage – Somerset Council repair potholes and other road defects, and maintain our roads, for the safe access of all road users: Potholes, road damage and edge loss
Report a problem with a street light – We maintain and repair street lights to national standards:
Report a problem with a street light
Road signs, markings and lighting – Includes bollards, pedestrian crossings, requesting a village nameplate or new road sign: Road signs, bollards and road markings
Speed limits – Request information about new or existing traffic calming measures: Speed limits
Traffic lights – We maintain over 200 traffic light locations throughout the County: Traffic lights
Street and roadworks – We maintain the roads and pavements managed at public expense in Somerset: Street and roadworks problems
Traffic updates and roadworks — follow: Travel Somerset on X and Travel Somerset on Facebook
All ongoing roadworks – available on the Somerset Council website interactive map:
Roadworks and travel information
Somerset Waste – collection days, replacement bins or recycling bags and missed collection reporting: Bins, recycling and waste
Travel and Tourist Information: Travel Somerset – Art, Culture, Events, History & More
Sign-up for the latest climate news from across Somerset: Climate newsletter sign-up
Open Somerset Council Consultations – which anyone can complete and take part in shaping the future of Somerset: Somerset Council – Citizen Space – Consultations
SOMERSET COUNCIL TELEPHONE NO – 0300 123 2224