The MP, pictured here outside the meeting, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It was a depressing meeting – the overall message that came out is that the council has decided that it has no choice but to make the cuts across the board.”
“But it doesn’t. It has choices on timeframes, because no government settlement has yet been announced, and it could also consider introducing small council tax rises to keep more services running.”
She added: “I also think the council could cut back on its own costs still further by looking carefully at its buildings and properties, for example. These could be used far more effectively by bringing multiple council services together in single buildings rather dotted across Somerset.”
The cutbacks were also opposed by the union Unison, which said that it hoped councillors would think again and spend a few more weeks considering the plans.
County Council chief executive Sheila Wheeler said the cuts were “step one in a long and arduous journey”. The cuts include reducing funding for youth clubs, bus subsidies and arts groups.
