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News
roundup
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Residents and businesses are encouraged to take part in Somerset Council’s annual budget consultation.
The budget consultation opens today (3 December) and is due to close on 14 January. The link can be found via the Council’s 2026/27 Budget Consultation page, with paper copies available in libraries.
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A proposal to harmonise Sunday parking charges in car parks across Somerset will be deferred following the results of a public consultation.
Somerset Council was proposing to introduce charges at car parks in Somerset which are currently free on a Sunday, to ensure consistency across the county.
Somerset Council is taking steps to support people on low incomes who may be impacted by national changes to benefits.
Each year, the Council is required by law to set a Council Tax Reduction (CTR) Scheme which offers a discount for taxpayers on low incomes.
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Somerset Council will meet later this month to consider steps being taken to address 3 statutory recommendations made by auditors.
The recommendations are included in the Auditor’s Annual Report, published ahead of Audit Committee on 9 December, which is a summary of work by Grant Thornton, the Council’s external auditor, during 2024/25.
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Vital work to resurface a 2-mile stretch of road through Cheddar Gorge has been completed on time and on budget.
Somerset Council’s contractors Heidelberg Materials removed and recycled the worn out section of road, one of the most scenic routes in the country.
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Somerset Council will be resurfacing roads in and around Taunton and Wellington in the New Year in a rolling programme scheduled to last until March 2026.
The work is being done to improve the condition of the roads and the finished surface will look better and be safer to drive on with less risk of safety defects developing, such as potholes.
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Somerset Council is proud to join the global celebration of International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2025. A day dedicated to recognising the incredible impact of volunteers everywhere.
Somerset Volunteering has over 1,400 volunteers supporting 20 different services. Their contributions range from volunteer drivers and countryside conservation to supporting young people through programmes like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Route1 Advocacy.
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Image courtesy of Devon County Council
As the countdown to Christmas begins, Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service is reminding shoppers to stay vigilant when buying toys for children this festive season.
With rising costs and the lure of bargain deals online, parents and carers may be tempted to opt for cheaper options – but these could come with hidden dangers.
Medieval silver coins from the Chew Valley Hoard
Today, South West Heritage Trust is announcing a £993,345 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver an ambitious two-year engagement project to celebrate the Chew Valley Hoard and mark the 1,000th anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth.
Comprising 2,584 silver coins, the Chew Valley Hoard is the highest-value treasure acquisition on record and comes from the period of turmoil immediately following the Norman Conquest.
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