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News
roundup
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Somerset Council has welcomed new investment in social and affordable housing, while urging the Government to trust local authorities to direct funding where they know it will have the greatest impact.
The council says greater local flexibility would help funding reach the communities where it can make the biggest difference, as demand for affordable housing continues to grow across Somerset.
Councillors at Executive today (2 September 2026) approved new proposals for a health and care training and innovation facility in Somerset.
Somerset Council’s Executive Committee was asked to approve the Full Business Case for the Somerset Health and Care Academy, which would bring together Somerset Council, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) in a formal partnership focused on workforce development, skills, innovation and career pathways.
 A revamp of the Edithmead M5 Junction 22 roundabout is among key A38 works set to move forward next year following a decision by the Council’s Executive Committee.
Improvements to the A38, between Burnham-on-Sea and Barrow Gurney – a joint project with North Somerset Council – were given the thumbs-up by Government last year, subject to a Final Business Case, which was submitted jointly in June 2026.
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Fostering in Somerset is calling on more residents to consider fostering and help children and young people stay close to the people, places and support networks that matter most to them.
There are around 700 children in care in Somerset. When children cannot live with their birth families, foster carers provide safe, stable, and supportive homes. More local foster carers are needed across the county to help children remain close to their schools, friends, family connections, and communities wherever possible.
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The result of the by election held on 3 September for the vacant Somerset Council seat in the Frome West division is as follows:
- Dominic Ellison (Green Party) 663 – elected;
- Drew Gardner (Liberal Democrats) 544;
- Joseph Williams (Reform UK) 218;
- Christopher Wildridge (Labour Party) 89;
- David Quantrill-Simon (Conservative Party) 87.
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Somerset Council has approved an update to the maximum fares licensed taxi drivers can charge across the county.
The changes reflect increases in operating costs and the cost of living since fares were last adjusted in May 2024. The fares are the maximum taxi firms can charge; operators can continue to offer cheaper fares if they choose to do so.
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September 2026 marks Recovery Month, an annual National campaign that celebrates the achievements of people recovering from alcohol and drug dependence, raises awareness of the benefits of recovery and challenges the stigma that can prevent people from seeking support.
Recovery Month reminds us that recovery is not only possible, but that it happens every day.
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Somerset Council is reminding drivers that a section of the B3151 at Street will remain closed while developers work on access to a housing site off Somerton Road.
Diversions are in place to allow the works, including crossing improvements, a new junction and widening the existing road, to take place.
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A short section of the A371, near Croscombe, will be partially closed from Monday 7 September by Somerset Council to allow vital repair work to be carried out.
Part of a stone boundary wall between the road and the River Sheppey has collapsed after a road traffic collision.
The road will operate under temporary 2-way traffic lights for around 3 weeks to allow the damaged section of wall to be rebuilt.
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Charities and voluntary groups in Somerset, North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to apply for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the equivalent of an MBE for individuals.
The window for applying for KAVS – the highest award for voluntary groups – has just opened. The Royal award recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities.
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Charities from across Somerset have been hailed for their “massive contribution” to the wellbeing of the county at a special garden party organised by Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant, Mohammed Saddiq.
More than 150 people from charities across Somerset were invited to the event, held at a private house in East Somerset.
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