The Somerset Council Executive met to discuss several key issues, including the financial situation, strategic risks, and the appointment of a transformation partner. They approved recommendations regarding the use of housing reserves, budget monitoring, and strategies for harbours and ports.

Here's a breakdown of the main topics:

• Financial Planning and Budget Monitoring

  • The Executive reviewed the General Fund Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Q1, noting a forecast overspend of £5.409m for 2025/26. They agreed to mitigating actions to reduce overspends and reaffirmed their commitment to avoiding a Section 114 notice¹. The in-year forecast overspend on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) was £38.087m, with a total forecast year-end deficit of £100.079m as detailed in Appendix C.
  • They also reviewed the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget Monitoring Q1, noting a forecast underspend of £1.249m for 2025/26.
  • The Executive approved recommendations to Full Council that £3.377m from HRA reserves be used to increase the HRA capital programme for property acquisitions, with properties used temporarily for general fund temporary accommodation purposes.
  • The Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2026/27 - 2030/31 was discussed, noting a projected budget gap of £90.423m in 2026/27 rising to £207.781m by 2030/31. The council had responded to the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consultation regarding local authority funding reform through the Fair Funding Review 2.0 (FFR 2.0). ¹: A Section 114 notice is issued by a council's chief finance officer when the council doesn't have the resources to meet its financial obligations.

• Strategic and Operational Risk Management

  • The Executive endorsed the current strategic risk profile, including the escalation of High Needs Budget pressures as a new strategic risk. They considered high scoring tactical and operational risks and whether proposed mitigating actions were adequate.
  • The strategic risks included: Medium Term Financial Sustainability, Risk of a successful Cyber Attack and slow recovery capabilities, Statutory responsibilities for Social Care, Failure to prioritise the Council's required actions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and address climate change impacts, Economic Growth, and Insufficient governance and operational arrangements to counter fraud and corruption.

• Whole Council Transformation and Strategic Transformation Partner

  • The Executive agreed to appoint a Strategic Transformation Partner, as outlined in the Confidential Tender Evaluation Report, to work alongside the council to deliver the Inspiring Innovation Transformation Plan. They allocated up to £1.5m for the initial phase of transformation activity from the Transformation Budget.
  • They also endorsed the Somerset Council People Strategy 2025-28, noting that approval of the People Strategy was a matter for the HR Committee in October.
  • The Executive agreed to report back to the Corporate and Resources Scrutiny Committee on a quarterly basis.

• Harbour Management Advisory Committee (HMAC)

  • The Executive approved the Harbour Strategy and the draft Statement of Accounts.

• Workforce Programme - Council Restructure 24/25 Closure Report

  • The Executive noted the contents of the Workforce Programme Council Restructure 24/25 Closure Report.

• Huish Park - Extension to Buyback Option Period

  • The Executive approved the extension of the period for the option to buyback the freehold to 17 May 2028.

• Public and Member Questions

  • The Executive responded to questions from the public and councillors on topics including safe crossings in Glastonbury, climate change, ecological appraisals, council finances, community hospitals, car parking, traveller encampments, and planning communications.
    • In response to a question from Susannah Clemence about safe crossings over the A39/A361 Wirral Park junction, Councillor Richard Wilkins said that the feasibility study is being funded by Active Travel England, and it is anticipated that delivery of any agreed scheme may be eligible for future Government grant funding.
    • In response to a question from Liz Browne about the ecological appraisal process for planning applications, Councillor Mike Rigby said that the council has agreed a triage system to help manage the high volume of applications while maintaining ecological integrity.
    • In response to a question from Councillor Adam Boyden about the NHS proposal to cut the number of beds at Frome Community Hospital, Councillor Graham Oakes said that Somerset Council is working with NHS Somerset to look at local provision for intermediate care.
    • In response to a question from Councillor Bob Filmer about car parking arrangements, Councillor Richard Wilkins said that the arrangements that we are currently aware of are that Somerset Council inherited arrangements from the previous South Somerset District Council – Wincanton Town Council, Ansford Parish Council and Castle Cary Town Council.
    • In response to a question from Councillor Hayward Burt about access to recycling centres in Dorset, Councillor Richard Wilkins said that Somerset Council continues to engage with Dorset Council regarding the impact of the new booking and charging system at Dorset's Household Recycling Centres (HRCs), particularly Sherborne and Shaftesbury.
    • In response to a question from Councillor Susannah Hart about the Zig Zag building in Glastonbury, Councillor Mike Rigby said that Planning Enforcement officers have visited the Zig Zag building and continued contact with Chris Black, owner of the building and land, throughout 2025.