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News
roundup
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Somerset Council’s Executive has today approved plans for a significant and ambitious programme of change which aims to provide better outcomes for children and families in Somerset while also reducing costs.
The My World, My Tomorrow programme – named by young people at the centre of the plans – aims to support children earlier and reduce avoidable escalation into care. This directly addresses areas for improvement recently identified by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills).
More than 570 children looked after and care experienced young people were recognised and celebrated at Somerset Council’s annual Celebrating Care and Achievement event.
Held at Wellsprings Leisure Centre in Taunton, the event brought together children, young people, carers, families and professionals for an afternoon dedicated to recognising the determination, resilience, talent and achievements of young people across Somerset.
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Councillors have welcomed opportunities for stronger partnership working to address key challenges around motorway disruption in Somerset.
Somerset Council’s Climate, Environment and Place Scrutiny Committee recently invited National Highways, Avon and Somerset Police, and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to discuss M5 incident management and the impact motorway closures can have on residents, businesses and local communities.
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Somerset Council has submitted its bid for Government funding to reopen a vital road in the west of the county to vehicles.
The B3191 Cleeve Hill near Watchet was closed in January 2023 after cliff movement near the road was detected. A further geotechnical survey recommended it be kept closed to ensure the safety of the travelling public.
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Somerset Council has reached an important stage in its transformation journey with the launch of a new integrated Revenues and Welfare system for residents across the county.
The project has brought together 4 separate Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rates systems inherited when Somerset Council became a unitary authority. These have been replaced by a single cloud-based platform provided by NEC.
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A by election is due to be held in the Frome West division for a vacancy on Somerset Council. The Notice of Election has been published on the Council’s election notices page. If the elections are contested, local voters will be going to the polls on 3 September 2026.
Candidates’ nominations must be delivered between 10am and 12.30pm or 1.30pm and 4pm by Thursday 6 August 2026.
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Somerset Council, Take Art and the Ham Hill team are delighted to announce the return of Chill on the Hill on Sunday 30 August 2026, as the much-loved outdoor celebration marks its 5th anniversary.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Ham Hill, the event has become a highlight of Somerset’s cultural calendar, bringing communities together to celebrate local food, wellbeing, nature and the arts.
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Planning to head to a festival this summer? The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging festival-goers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and well, including checking vaccinations are up to date, staying hydrated, using sunscreen, washing hands regularly, practising safe sex, looking out for friends and seeking medical help quickly if anyone becomes unwell.
The guidance also highlights the risks associated with measles, heat-related illness, excessive alcohol consumption and drug use at large events.
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A rare partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK on 12 August, with people in the South West expected to enjoy some of the best views.
However, looking directly at the Sun can cause permanent eye damage, even during an eclipse.
The UK Health Security Agency has published advice on how to watch the eclipse safely, including using certified eclipse glasses and simple indirect viewing methods.
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Following months of dry weather and repeated heatwaves, water companies across the South West are asking everyone to help reduce water use and protect supplies during ongoing drought conditions.
July was one of the driest on record, with just 2mm of rainfall across the Wessex Water region, around 97% less than average for the month. Wessex Water, which supplies much of Somerset, has reported water demand running around 30% above normal levels for more than a month.
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Eligible young people are being encouraged to get their free, time-limited MenB vaccine to help protect against meningitis and sepsis. The offer is open to people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, and under-25s starting university or residential further education for the first time this autumn.
2 doses are needed for protection, at least 28 days apart. First doses are available until 31 December 2026, with second doses available until 31 March 2027.
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