The new Liberal Democrat administration in Somerset is hiking council tax by the maximum amount - almost 5%. Every household that pays council tax will see the largest bill they have faced following the rise, to plug a £38m hole in the county's budget.
Numerous services are likely to be cut back in order to make further savings.
Graham Godwin-Pearson says, "In past years, Sedgemoor District Council has increased council tax by small amounts to cover rising costs. Sedgemoor has been known for sound investments, good services and low tax. It is a shame that, despite the savings promised, the first budgetary act of the new unitary authority is a hike in bills, especially given the cost of living crisis for many households."
