CCTV cameras look set to be retained in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge after town councillors agreed funding for them at their latest meeting – despite ongoing negotiations with Somerset Council over a service level agreement.
Burnham and Highbridge Town Councillors gave their backing amid talks over a Service Level Agreement with Somerset Council. Town Councillors voted not to pay for any services until the document is signed by Somerset Council.
It comes after the Town Council considered a report in April 2024 on the future provision of the CCTV monitoring service provided by Somerset Council. The cost was advised at being £22,386.27 for the first year (2024/25), increasing in line with the rate of inflation each year after.
The Town Council agreed to commit to a three-year agreement. The Council required that all cameras must be working at the start of the contract.
A spokesperson said in a report to town councillors: “As several cameras had not been working until late in 2024, Somerset Council agreed to reduce the Town Council’s contribution to £10,000. Several of the cameras have now been upgraded by the Town Council.”
“During this year’s contribution negotiations, Somerset Council advised the Town Clerk that in 2025/26 there will be a standard annual charge for all Town and Parish Councils of £2,798 per camera.”
“There are 12 working cameras within Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge, therefore the cost would be £33,576.”
“The additional cost has been challenged, however Somerset Council are not willing to reduce the cost per camera. However, the Council should be aware the 3 year service level agreement has still not been signed, as Somerset Council never responded to the amendments requested. This had been chased several times.”
The Town Council allocated £25,000 in the 2025/26 budget for CCTV provision. There was an underspend of £5,000 in 2024/25, which has been earmarked. If the earmarked funds are used, there would still be an overspend of £3,576 for the service provision in 2025/26.
The Town Council’s recommendation, which was agreed at this month’s meeting, was that “the Council uses CCTV earmarked reserves towards the cost of the CCTV monitoring provision for 2025/26 and agrees to the budget overspend of £3,576.”
Town Councillors also agreed they will insist on the Service Level Agreement being implemented and will not pay for any services until the document is signed by Somerset Council.
Burnham-On-Sea.com has invited Somerset Council to comment.
