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News
roundup
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Somerset Council has published its new Adult Social Care Strategy for 2026 to 2029, which highlights how it will work with residents, carers and partners to support adults to live healthy, safe and independent lives within strong communities.
The strategy outlines the Council’s priorities for adult social care over the next 3 years.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) is urging Somerset residents to think before they throw, following a rise in incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, which can cause serious fires when incorrectly disposed of in general waste.
To highlight the risks to waste crews, firefighters and communities, Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Roads, joined firefighters at the Material Recycling Facility in Evercreech, operated by SUEZ, Somerset Council’s waste collections contractor on Wednesday 22 July.
 Somerset Council and its recycling site operator, Biffa, have announced that during August only one fridge, freezer or other type of cooling appliance will be accepted per household to any of Somerset’s 16 recycling sites.
The change follows a national shortage of UK reprocessing capacity. The shortage is likely to have been caused by a fire and other unplanned outages at specialist treatment facilities, alongside increased volumes during warmer weather as more appliances are replaced or fail.
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A Somerset couple is highlighting the urgent need for more foster carers, after more than 2 decades supporting children and young people across the county.
Heather and Paul have been fostering for more than 25 years, caring for children of all ages, from babies through to teenagers. During that time, they have supported more than 200 children, young people and parents through a combination of short-term, long-term and specialist parent and child fostering placements.
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Somerset Council has been recognised as a leading employer for kinship carers as the first Local Authority in the UK to achieve Gold Kinship Friendly Employer status.
The award, presented by the charity Kinship, recognises employers that go above and beyond to support staff who are caring for children within their family or wider network, helping them balance their work and caring responsibilities.
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Children and young people in Somerset have got a ticket to ride thanks to free bus travel for all 5-to-15-year-olds across England next month.
Somerset Council is working with a range of local bus operators to make sure the Government Kids Go Free scheme is available for all young people.
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Bus services across the county and potential changes to how they are delivered will be looked at in detail by Somerset Council’s transport team.
The Council has been awarded funding by the Department for Transport (DfT) to carry out a bus franchising pre-feasibility assessment.
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Somerset Domestic Abuse Service welcomed Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Clare Moody to its Yeovil office to learn more about the specialist support available to victims of domestic abuse.
During the visit, Clare met the team to learn more about the support they provide. She toured the office, met frontline staff, heard about current projects, and discussed the importance of early intervention and partnership working to help ensure victims and families can access support when they need it most.
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A Somerset man is encouraging others to take up their NHS Health Check after a sudden cardiac arrest revealed he had a hidden health condition.
Kevin Ross, from Frome, collapsed while playing football after scoring a goal. Friends initially thought he was celebrating but quickly realised he was not breathing. A nearby defibrillator and quick action from bystanders helped save his life.
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A Somerset Council-led podcast competition has been won by Selwood Academy in Frome, after receiving 477 votes from the public.
The academy’s winning entry stood out among 40 schools across the county, all sharing important messages about staying safe and supporting others.
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Somerset Council is highlighting the support available to parents and families during World Breastfeeding Week 2026, which runs from 1 to 7 August.
Families looking for advice or support can contact the Somerset Health Visiting Service, which has held UNICEF Baby Friendly Gold accreditation since 2024, recognising its high standards in supporting infant feeding and positive relationships between parents and babies.
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Somerset Council is extending its consultation deadline to allow residents and businesses more time to have their say on how Somerset could change in future.
Under the original timetable the consultation was due to have closed on Friday 24 July – but will now close on 9 August. This will enable people extra time to formulate their responses.
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Somerset Council is inviting residents entitled to vote to have their say on polling districts and places – broadly where they go to vote.
All local authorities must, by law, review all polling districts and polling places used for Parliamentary elections.
The consultation is open to every elector – people entitled to vote – in the administrative area of Somerset Council
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Planning a long journey this summer? National Highways is encouraging drivers to follow its T.R.I.P. safety checks before setting off: Top-up fuel, oil and screen wash, Rest and plan breaks every two hours, Inspect tyre pressure and tread, and Prepare for the weather.
The campaign highlights the increased risk of driver fatigue during the busy holiday period and aims to help keep journeys safer while reducing avoidable breakdowns.
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