Residents are expected to see a 3.5% Council Tax rise this year, with the news that the local authority’s Cabinet is proposing a general increase of 1.5% in addition to the 2% social care precept as it attempts to balance its books. The challenge that lies ahead is to deliver services efficiently, whilst also trying to find £49 million worth of savings by 2020.

The proposal comes as the Council faces the biggest financial squeeze in its history – with continued reductions in Government funding and complex challenges, such as the rapid growth in the number of vulnerable and older people needing social care support. The way in which local services are delivered is expected to change to save money, for example, the announcement that both Midsomer Norton and Bath Central Libraries will be moving, and as the Council looks to other organisations to take on services which it currently provides.

The increase equates to a total of £3.62 a month for a Band D property.

Councillor Charles Gerrish (Conservative, Keynsham North), the Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency said: “We believe that the Council Tax rise we are proposing is likely to be among the lowest in the region – something which has only been achieved by undertaking a thorough root-and-branch review of the Council’s finances.

“We remain committed to keeping the level of Council Tax as low as we can, whilst still protecting front-line services as far as possible. The vast majority of the savings we need to make are being achieved through increased efficiency, service innovation and generating new income through investments.”

The proposed budget will be considered at the Council’s Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 1st February. The Council’s final budget will then be considered by Councillors at a Full Council meeting on Tuesday, 14th February.