As residents will have seen in the media, Somerset Council are facing enormous financial challenges and are having to make some difficult decisions about services it provides.
The Town Council has been asked to consider taking over/funding some of the services that Somerset Council will no longer be able to fund, this could include street cleaning, removal of fly tipping, the provision of public conveniences, management of play areas and community transport services.
For the Town Council to be able to fund any additional service, it will have to significantly increase its budget and Precept request, which will increase residents Council Tax payments.
The Town Council is holding a consultation to understand what residents’ priorities are, so the information can be considered when Councillors make a final decision on what services to help fund/manage. The Town Council is unlikely to be able to cover all the service costs, so the community’s views are vital.
The drop-in consultation events are taking place as follows;
Tuesday 12th December 1600 – 1830 at The Morland Hub, Pearce Drive, Highbridge
Wednesday 13th December 1600-1830 at The Princess Theatre, Princess Street Burnham-on-Sea
Residents are urged to attend one of the events to meet with the Councillors and to see what services are at risk, the costs involved and to give their opinions on which services the Town Council should financially support.