Somerset Council makes plans to balance the books
They're drawing up a list of everything they can sell off to help their financial situation.
A list is being drawn up of everything Somerset Council owns that could be sold off, as bosses try to balance the books
It's after we told you last night leaders have warned they're in a 'financial emergency situation' and could be declared bankrupt next year.
They blame the rising costs of adult social care and years of council tax freezes.
Cllr Liz Leyshon, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Resources & Performance and Deputy Leader, said: “It is clear we are one of the growing number of councils nationally to be facing a financial emergency. There is a fundamental structural problem with local government budgets as our costs are rising much faster than our ability to raise income.
“While we will continue to call for a national solution to this national problem, we are also determined to do everything we can to reduce our budget gap to ensure we continue to provide support for those most in need.”
Savings proposals are being drawn up by council officers which will be voted on by the Executive at its December meeting. These could include selling assets and buildings, increasing Council Tax, reducing staffing levels and reducing council services to statutory levels.