11 July 2025

Featured news

Executive approves next phase of transformation plan to safeguard public services

Stock image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Somerset Council is embarking on the next phase of its Improvement and Transformation Programme as it continues to take bold action to protect public services.

Titled Inspiring Innovation, this next phase builds upon the work undertaken over the past 2 years which have focused on stabilisation and rationalisation through a £34m reduction in the Council’s pay bill.

Wessex Leaders support regional projects in push for devolution

Leaders from across the Wessex Partnership region have today confirmed their joint commitment to a series of ambitious cross-regional projects, marking a significant step forward in their collective push for devolution and the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Wessex.

The 4 council leaders have agreed to support a number of proposals that will deliver tangible benefits to residents and businesses across the region.

Confirmation of funding for key Somerset transport schemes is welcomed

Funding for major transport schemes in the County was announced by Government this week as part of a package of national road and rail investment.

Improvements to the A38 between Burnham-on-Sea and Barrow Gurney – a joint project with North Somerset Council – has been given the green light, subject to a Final Business Case, along with a new train station in Wellington.

Somerset children invited to join competition – saving the planet, one peel at a time

Somerset Council and SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, in collaboration with local author Ben Pulletz, are excited to announce the launch of children’s story writing competition, ‘Luna and friends’ great food waste recycling journey’.

Aimed at promoting the importance of food waste recycling among young residents and their families, the competition invites children aged 7 to 16 to get creative and submit their stories.

Latest articles

Community groups across Somerset are thriving with CAG Somerset support

Community Action Groups (CAG) Somerset are celebrating a successful year, notching up significant recycling and reuse achievements. CAG is a not-for-profit organisation supported by Somerset Council and its collections contractor SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK and managed by Resource Futures.

Nominate your local hero now

Time is running out for nominations for community awards from across Somerset that recognise groups and individuals for their commitment to others. Somerset Council Chair’s Award honours those who give up their time to benefit their community – and the deadline for nomination is fast approaching with the deadline of 18 July.

The sweet smell of success

To bee or not to bee – that was the question for contractors working on the demolition of Glovers Walk in Yeovil when they discovered a wall was – literally – buzzing. 2 colonies of bees had set up home in wall cavities and were living up to their reputation of being busy when the contractors discovered them.

Council highlights rural inequalities during Rural Housing Week

Throughout Rural Housing Week (7 to 11 July), Somerset Council is highlighting the importance of accessing affordable housing in rural communities. A combination of high property prices, limited availability of private rental properties, and lower income levels all contribute to an ongoing housing crisis in rural counties like Somerset.

Statutory consultation begins on Somerset’s Pupil Referral Unit merger

The local authority currently operates 4 Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and 2 Behaviour Partnerships (BPs) in Somerset. These differ in terms of facilities, staffing, and funding, at times leading to varied outcomes for children and young people. To address these challenges, and encourage a standardised approach, the Council is proposing to merge the management of the 4 PRUs which will operate in 2 halves of the county.

Review recommends national change

Recommendations in a report published today (8 July 2025) by the Somerset Safeguarding Adult Boards (SSAB) set out the findings of the thematic review of self-neglect.

Review recommends improvements following death of Somerset resident

A series of recommendations have been made by the Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB) following the death of a Somerset resident.

Events showcase Somerset’s business opportunities

Somerset’s economy will be in the spotlight in September when the Invest Somerset Showcase 2025 takes place, highlighting the county as a dynamic and thriving place for business and investment.

Changes at Yeovil Bus Station

Temporary changes will be made to passenger waiting arrangements at Yeovil Bus Station as work to demolish buildings at Glovers Walk moves forward. The waiting room, and an accessible toilet, as well as operational facilities for bus station staff and drivers will move temporarily to Earle Street Car Park and will be open from Monday 14 July. The facilities will be open during the day while bus services are in operation.

Consultations

Have your say on Council’s blueprint for future transport planning in Somerset

Somerset Council has published a new Local Transport Plan for the county which aims to create a fairer, greener and better-connected transport network. The Local Transport Plan (LTP) is a key document that sets out how the Council will plan and prioritise transport provision across Somerset for the next 20 years.

Promoted news

Animals in most of the farms tested have access to safe drinking water

Image courtesy of HotSW Trading Standards

Most of the farms and smallholdings in Devon and Somerset tested are ensuring that their livestock have access to clean drinking water.

In a round of Food Standards Agency-funded visits, Heart of the South West Trading Standards’ rural team took water samples from troughs, buckets and other water receptacles on 21 farms.

Amber heat-health alert issued for the South West

Image courtesy of UKHSA

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued an amber heat-health alert (HHA) for the South West of England from 12pm today until 9am on Monday 14 July.

If you’re out and about, try to keep out of the sun and avoid physical exertion in the hottest part of the day.

There’s lots more information online to help you stay safe during hot weather. Visit the UKHSA and NHS websites including their pages on how to beat the heat and on heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Met Office also have information on their WeatherReady campaign which you may also find useful.