Bridgwater Town Council notes with concern the Government’s decision to issue a Best Value Notice to Somerset Council. While recognising the seriousness of the challenges facing upper-tier local authorities, the Town Council wishes to reassure residents that the notice has no direct impact on Bridgwater Town Council, which remains financially sound and well governed.
Since Local Government Reorganisation, Bridgwater Town Council has taken early and decisive action to protect local jobs, services and community assets. These measures have helped place the Council in a strong and sustainable position, enabling it to continue delivering for residents at a local level.
Councillor Brian Smedley, Leader of Bridgwater Town Council said,
“We recognise the seriousness of the challenges facing Somerset Council, but I want to reassure Bridgwater residents that this notice has no direct impact on Bridgwater Town Council. Through careful planning and decisive action since Local Government Reorganisation, we have put the Town Council in a strong financial position while protecting local jobs, services and community assets.”
Bridgwater Town Council believes the wider challenges facing local government require long-term solutions. A key part of that solution is the further devolution of powers, responsibilities and resources to capable town and parish councils that have the ambition and capacity to deliver more for their communities.
Bridgwater’s experience since reorganisation demonstrates how locally accountable councils can protect services, safeguard community assets and maintain strong financial control while responding directly to local needs.
Cllr Smedley added,
“Bridgwater’s experience shows the value of devolving powers and resources to local councils that have the ambition and capacity to deliver for their communities. Decisions are often best made closest to the people they affect and empowering town and parish councils can help safeguard vital services, strengthen accountability and deliver better outcomes for residents.”
Bridgwater Town Council remains committed to playing its part in delivering strong local services and supporting the future prosperity of Bridgwater.
Somerset Council sets out response to Best Value Notice
Somerset Council has acknowledged the Government’s decision to issue a Best Value Notice to the authority. The Council recognises the seriousness of this step. A Best Value Notice is a formal, non-statutory improvement and assurance process through which Government monitors progress against agreed improvement plans.
Simply, it means the Government wants evidence that the Council is improving, strengthening governance, delivering value for money and securing long-term sustainability, and we already have much of the required evidence through the work we’re already undertaking.
Crucially, Somerset Council remains responsible for making decisions locally, delivering services and driving improvement.
While this is a serious development, it is not an unexpected one. Somerset Council has consistently been open about the scale of the challenges it faces and has already taken steps in anticipation of increased external scrutiny, including establishing an independent Improvement Advisory Board to provide challenge, support and oversight.
Like many councils across the country, Somerset is facing rising demand and costs in essential services including Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, SEND and homelessness, alongside a local government funding system which does not adequately reflect the cost of delivering services in a large rural county. The Council continues to argue that relying on Council Tax increases to fund demand-led services is not sustainable.
At the same time, the Council accepts that it must continue to improve financial management, governance, transformation and performance across key services.
Many of the actions Government would expect to see are already underway. The Council has strengthened governance, commissioned an independent CIPFA review, established an Improvement Advisory Board and is progressing its Building Better Finance and Inspiring Innovation programmes.
The Council is also taking action in areas identified as under pressure. This includes responding to the recent Children’s Services Ofsted inspection and investing £5.3 million to improve SEND support, reduce delays and strengthen services for children, young people and families across Somerset.
Similarly, since the Care Quality Commission conducted its assessment of adult social care in September 2025 the Council has made progress across the areas the regulatory body identified. This includes improving the timeliness of assessments and reviews and making better use of data to shape services.
The Council’s focus remains on delivering improvement, protecting vital services and demonstrating progress through action and results.
Council Leader Bill Revans said:
“We recognise the seriousness of today’s announcement and we accept the need to demonstrate continued improvement. We also want to give every assurance that the work needed is already under way and we are on the front foot. Residents should be reassured that Somerset Council remains responsible for making decisions locally. Essential services will continue to be delivered and our commitment to improving services and achieving financial sustainability remains unchanged.
“This is a challenging moment, but not an unexpected one. We have been honest about the challenges we face, we have a clear plan, and we are taking the actions needed to secure Somerset’s future. “Our focus now is on maintaining momentum, delivering improvement and demonstrating progress. We welcome the opportunity to demonstrate that progress to Government and to our residents, and this will help us access further advice and support. It is our aim to set a balanced budget in 2027-28 without the use of external exceptional financial support.
“But the challenges facing Somerset are complex. Demand and costs in essential services, particularly care services, have risen sharply, and the current funding system does not properly reflect the pressures faced by large rural councils. But we also recognise that we must continue to improve how we manage our finances, strengthen governance and transform services.
“Above all, our responsibility is to the people of Somerset. Our focus remains clear: protecting vital services, supporting the most vulnerable people in Somerset, doing everything we can to put the Council on a sustainable footing for the future, and ensuring Government understands how it needs to support local services.”