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14 November 2025

Featured news

1,000s of driving offences logged on Frome Bypass as new speed limit is considered

AI cameras installed at a collision hotspot by Somerset Council and Avon and Somerset Police have logged 1,000s of offences in just 4 months.

The new state-of-art cameras positioned on the A361 Frome Bypass, part of an ongoing package of measures to improve safety on the road, have picked up more than 4,500 offences between March and July 2025 including 4,407 incidents of no seat belt being worn, 74 speeding offences clocked at over 80 mph and 119 instances of mobile phone use.

Consultations

Have your say on Somerset’s Domestic Abuse Strategy

Somerset Council is asking residents, organisations, and professionals to share their views on how work to support those affected by domestic abuse should be delivered in the years ahead. The consultation, launched on Monday 10 November, invites feedback to help shape Somerset’s new Domestic Abuse Strategy – a key document that will set out how services across the county work together to prevent abuse, protect those experiencing it, and support recovery. The new strategy will build on the work already underway through the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service and its partner agencies.

Latest articles

Stepping Stones visit parliament in support of National Supported Lodgings Week

To launch the first ever National Supported Lodgings Week (NSLW) from 9 to 16 November 2025, Fostering in Somerset’s Stepping Stones team were invited to attend a parliamentary reception in Westminster. Over 150 people attended the ‘Host the Future’ event on Monday 10 November, including hosts and leaving care workers from Somerset’s Stepping Stones team, joined by the young people they support.

Ham Hill gears up for a week of tree planting to celebrate National Tree Week

To mark National Tree Week (22 to 30 November), Somerset Council is planning a week-long programme of tree planting at Pit Wood, Ham Hill, culminating in a Community Tree Planting Day on Saturday 29 November. Carbon Aware Productions and Ham and Doulting Stone are funding and supporting the planting of 3,000 native trees, and during National Tree Week, rangers will be joined by regular volunteers, teams from RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset Council volunteers, The Friends of Ham Hill, and members of the public, who will work together to get them in the ground and strengthen Ham Hill’s biodiversity and resilience to climate change.

Vital repairs scheduled for Wells Bus Station

Somerset Council is working in partnership with operator First West of England to make some urgent repairs to the bus station in Wells. Work starts on Monday 17 November to repair the stands around bus bays to ensure the safety of passengers and drivers. The repairs are being done in 2 phases over a week and the Council’s contractor is working to ensure minimal disruption to service.

Promoted news

Footage shows impressive progress at Somerset’s new battery facility

Credit: Agratas

Agratas is delighted to share the latest construction progress update from its UK battery manufacturing facility in Bridgwater, Somerset.

The company’s multi-billion-pound project is set to become the largest of its kind in the UK, playing a pivotal role in advancing clean technology and sustainable energy. The facility will produce battery cells destined for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.

Royal recognition for county charities

Image courtesy of KAVS

4 Somerset charities are celebrating today (14 November) after winning the coveted King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

Equivalent to an MBE for individuals, KAVS is the highest award given to voluntary groups in the UK, celebrating outstanding work done by charities. They are awarded annually.

Get on top of the renting changes

Image courtesy of MHCLG

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is urging private landlords to prepare for rental reforms starting 1 May 2026.

Changes include ending Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, introducing fairer possession grounds, and replacing fixed-term tenancies with rolling agreements. Rent rises will be limited to once a year with proper notice, and practices like rental bidding and large advance payments will be banned.

Visit gov.uk/rentingischanging to stay compliant and provide safe, decent homes.

Christmas crafters urged to check tax rules

Image courtesy of HMRC

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging anyone earning extra income from festive activities – such as making and selling Christmas crafts, running seasonal market stalls, or upcycling furniture – to check if they need to pay tax.

Individuals making more than £1,000 a year from these side hustles may need to register for Self Assessment and file a tax return. HMRC advises early filing to avoid last-minute stress and offers online tools and guidance to make the process simple.