Conservative County Councillors in Somerset today voted through a robust and positive budget and ambitious plans for the next 12 months.

Headlines included:

• Returning the council to a strong financial footing, with growing resilience.
• Further investment in frontline services.
• Increased funding secured for Somerset in both social care and education.
• Additional £2 million investment in rural transport.
• A pledge to introduce 20mph zones outside Somerset schools.
• Continue the biggest school building programme in a generation. £46m on projects over the next financial year, building nine new or significantly expanded and improved schools in Taunton, Bridgwater, Somerton, Yeovil and Wellington. 

An initial £1 million Climate Change Fund was also announced, to support town, city and parish councils in their ambition to take local action on the climate emergency. This follows on from a successful £1 million prevention focused fund in 2019-20 which has seen innovative projects and approaches to support residents and prevent escalation of need across the County.

The Conservative Group's ambition does not stop here, from this solid financial and preventative foundation, the County Council is looking to deliver even more for Somerset. More local delivery, more local accountability and more local visibility - alongside value for money and innovation through its business case for a single unitary authority for Somerset.

Leader of the County Council, David Fothergill wrapped up his introductions to today's full council meeting with the powerful message:

“We are delivering on our promises.

We are investing in our children, our residents, our communities.

We are – above all - Improving Lives in Somerset!”