CUTS could be made to council services next year as it aims to plug a budget funding gap of £17million. 

At a meeting of the executive due to be held next week, North Somerset Council will discuss saving proposals already developed. 

It's hoped the council could reduce its funding hole to just £4million through these 'savings proposals' but 'tough decisions' could be made for residents in 2023-24. 

The budget funding gap amounts to about 10 per cent of the council’s net spend per annum. 

The local authority says it's already made 'significant savings' since the national coalition government - formed of Conservatives and Liberal Democrats - introduced austerity measures in 2010.

It added financial hardship has now reared its head following the termination of Covid support schemes and soaring inflation which currently stands at around 11 per cent.

A draft budget is to be approved for consultation at the meeting where a citizens panel will be invited to share their views. 

Executive member for corporate services, Cllr Ash Cartman, dismissed the treasury's plans to allow raises in council tax by up to five per cent next year, saying it would not help the council's budgetary woes. 

He said: "Our council tax is lower than all our neighbours and last year was £351 lower than Bristol for a band D property, raising more money through council tax doesn’t generate as much additional money for us as it does in other council areas.

"Doing so would also place additional pressures on our residents who are already facing significant financial challenges of their own, so it’s not something we do gladly or lightly."

Cllr Cartman added: “We will do our best to protect our services for the most vulnerable people in our communities wherever possible and they remain our priority.

"We know that there are difficult times ahead for our residents, businesses and our organisation as we all face the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, but we are committed to delivering the best services we can."

The public meeting will be held on December 7 at 6pm at the Town Hall in Weston. It can also be viewed online via the council's YouTube page. 

The report and agenda can be viewed by visiting the council's website here.