Decision

The Scrutiny Corporate and Resources Committee acknowledged and noted the Revenue and Capital Budget 2026-27 report presented, and the summary of Scrutiny Committees’ findings.

In addition, having considered the debate and issues raised during the meeting, the Committee RESOLVED to request that the Executive:

1. Note Scrutiny’s continued concerns relating to staffing reductions and vacancy freezes within Children and Families, recognising the potential risks to service sustainability and the delivery of statutory responsibilities.
2. Consider the level of funding available to the Somerset Rivers Authority, including the Committee’s concern that despite the special precept, overall resources remain insufficient to address flooding risk and resilience requirements across the county.
3. Write to DEFRA requesting that national restrictions on raising penalties for envirocrime be reviewed, enabling councils to apply stronger and more deterrent fines. The Committee asked that this should also cover wider regulatory penalties where outdated ceilings limit effective enforcement.
4. Note the reduction in the crisis and resilience budget and review whether this reduction is appropriate in the context of increasing pressures related to climate driven severe weather events and emergency response demands.
5. Consider Scrutiny’s previously stated concerns regarding the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit, the impending cessation of the statutory override, and the financial risk to the authority should the override not be extended nationally. The Committee highlighted this as a significant and urgent corporate risk requiring clear medium term planning and transparent public communication.
6. Note Scrutiny’s concern regarding the proposed increase in charges for zoo licensing, recognising that the small number and scale of such facilities in Somerset may make the proposed uplift disproportionate. The Committee requested that the Executive review and justify the level of increase before implementation.

The Scrutiny Corporate and Resources Committee also confirmed that the remainder of Scrutiny comments are contained within the previously circulated Budget Scrutiny summary report, which should accompany these additional recommendations to the Executive.