Councillor Andy Soughton

Council Tax Reduction and Exceptional Hardship Scheme 2026/27

From: Scrutiny Committee - Corporate and Resources - Wednesday, 26th November, 2025 10.00 am - November 26, 2025

...to establish a Task and Finish Group to comprehensively review the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and the Exceptional Hardship Fund for the 2027/28 financial year, ensuring clear communication and targeted support for vulnerable residents, and to request adequate staff resources and a higher Exceptional Hardship Fund from the Executive.

Recommendations Approved

Community Working Review

From: Scrutiny Committee - Corporate and Resources - Wednesday, 26th November, 2025 10.00 am - November 26, 2025

...to request further engagement, development of a clear framework, sharing of best practices, alignment with government guidance, introduction of quick wins, improved accessibility and transparency, review of LCN boundaries, development of mechanisms for member influence, strengthened communication channels, and reporting of review findings to the Committee before Executive consideration, along with data on stakeholder attendance and details of other community engagement forms.

Recommendations Approved

Puriton Hill Layby

From: Licensing Sub-Committee (North) - Puriton Hill Layby, Licensing Sub-Committee - Friday, 7th November, 2025 10.00 am - November 07, 2025

Recommendations Approved

Consideration of an application for a premises license at Gilcombe Farm, Bruton, BA10 0QE

From: Licensing Sub-Committee (South) - Gilcombe Farm, Bruton, Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday, 5th November, 2025 2.00 pm - November 05, 2025

...the Sub-Committee approved the application for a premises licence at Gilcombe Farm, subject to conditions agreed with the Avon and Somerset Constabulary and additional conditions including a hotline for residents, consultation with local councils, noise management plan requirements, a designated drop-off zone, and a traffic management plan.

Recommendations Approved

Local Devolution Update

From: Scrutiny Committee - Corporate and Resources - Wednesday, 29th October, 2025 10.00 am - October 29, 2025

...to note the progress on the Council’s Local Devolution Programme and recommend improvements for future phases, including earlier involvement of local members, better communication, inclusion of smaller parish councils, clearer tracking of the devolution process, evaluation of outcomes, and early communication of potential barriers.

Recommendations Approved