NORTH Somerset Council’s Executive met yesterday (October 16) to hear progress has been made to close the £23.5m budget gap which was announced last month.

The council’s leadership team and executive have worked closely to develop a series of measures and spending controls to reduce costs in order to balance the books by the end of the financial year.

The executive heard today that mitigation plans put in place have increased the amount of savings proposed to £16.1m.

This means the current forecast gap between our income and expenditure stands at £8.5m.

Pressures contributing to this financial position are providing statutory social care services through individual care and support packages to more younger adults and older people than in previous years, particularly those in supported living accommodation.

The council is also supporting more children and young people, including those with complex needs, both in our care and as well as within the community.

Efforts continue across both children and adult services to ensure the support provided to residents achieves best value for the council, whilst still meeting the assessed need of the individual.

This is being managed through a series of care related panels supported by social care professionals.

Leader of North Somerset Council, Cllr Mike Bell said: “Like many of our neighbouring authorities, as well as councils across the country, urgent work is underway in order for us to balance our 2024/25 budget and address growing pressures for future years after a significant increase in demand and cost for council services, particularly in children and adult services.

“After years of austerity, government funding has not kept pace with increasing costs and rising demand.

“We are continuing to take measures to address the £8.5m gap that still remains including releasing budget contingency funding earlier than ever before, stringent controls for all spend and considering all saving options.

“However, we are also calling on the government to take action and stand up for councils during their Autumn statement.

“Councils urgently need more funding, particularly to help the rising tide of support needed in adult and children services.”

The council is committed to engaging and consulting with residents and stakeholders to both raise awareness of the council’s budget position and to ensure residents and stakeholders can give their views.

The council will shortly be announcing a series of engagement through online surveys, face to face meetings and resident focus groups.

This data will inform the budget development and be presented at the next executive meeting on December 4.

It is anticipated that the council will share details of proposed savings plans in December.

Work will continue and further updates will be shared in January prior to final budget discussions in February 2025.