Somerset Council has delayed setting its 2024/25 budget after a hold-up in final funding information from the government.

The council's executive had been due to present its final budget proposals on Sunday, 11 February, ahead of a full council vote in Bridgwater on Sunday, 25 February. That meeting has now been moved to Monday, 4 March, after Whitehall confirmed that final settlement details would not arrive until Friday, 9 February.

The local authority is still waiting to hear whether it will be allowed to raise council tax above the standard referendum limit for a second year running. It is also in discussions over receiving exceptional financial support for the third consecutive year and further relief for its schools deficit.

Somerset Council is legally required to set its budget by Monday, 11 March, giving councillors just one week to approve any amendments if a deal cannot be reached in the March vote.

The council's current revenue gap stands at £41.4 million, down from £73 million last year. This shortfall cannot be filled by reserves alone, making government support critical.

Council leader Cllr Bill Revans said: "This delay from the government is deeply frustrating. We are having to move our meetings only because the information we need to set a lawful and responsible budget is being provided later than expected."

An executive meeting will still take place on Sunday, 11 February — but this will now be limited to setting housing rent levels. A special budget meeting of the executive has been rescheduled for Sunday, 25 February to finalise proposed savings, fees and charges.

If the budget cannot be passed at the 4 March meeting, a reserve full council session will be held on Wednesday, 6 March at Canalside in Bridgwater, with a contingency executive meeting set for the previous day.

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