Government propose council tax increase to fund Somerset Rivers Authority

A council tax increase to help raise £2.7 million towards flood defence works commissioned by the Somerset River Authority moved a step closer in December following a government announcement.

The Government’s proposed local government finance settlement for 2016-17 included a provision for the Government to set alternative notional amounts for council tax levels so that pending the establishment of the Somerset Rivers Authority as a precepting body, Somerset County Council and all Somerset district councils can set a shadow precept of up to 1.25%, for the purpose of funding the Somerset Rivers Authority.

The increase will have to be signed off by councils in Somerset.

Further information and updates about the Somerset Rivers Authority can be found at www.somersetriversauthority.org.uk.

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