Somerset set for £40m budget cuts (From Yeovil Express)

Somerset set for £40m budget cuts

12:01pm Wednesday 27th January 2010

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CUTS to community and policing budgets, jobs losses and reductions in highway maintenance have all been outlined in Somerset County Council’s budget plans.

The proposals, set to be discussed at the council’s cabinet meeting on February 3, include a freeze in council tax for 2010/11.

But residents will have to pay for the respite through a host of measures to cut £40m from the council’s spending over the next year, reducing £19 million from the council’s spending budget and £21 million from its capital – or building – budget.

Changes are also set for County Hall, with a jobs freeze and plans to reduce around 150 posts, affecting around 50 staff.

Cuts include:

* Reduction of around 150 staff posts * Cuts in the crime reduction budget

* A reduction in funding of PCSOs * Cut in school transport

* Cuts in the number of youth workers * Cuts in highway maintenance

* Cuts in road safety grants

* Cuts in county council funded bus services

* Cancellation of planned expansion of Silk Mills Park and Ride

For more on the budget proposals keep checking this website.

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