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The Scrutiny Corporate and Resources Committee
acknowledged and noted the Revenue and Capital Budget 2026-27
report presented, and the summary of Scrutiny Committees’
findings.

In addition, having considered the debate and issues raised during
the meeting, the Committee RESOLVED to request that the
Executive:

Note Scrutiny’s continued
concerns relating to staffing reductions and vacancy freezes within
Children and Families, recognising the potential risks to service
sustainability and the delivery of statutory responsibilities.
Consider the level of funding
available to the Somerset Rivers Authority, including the
Committee’s concern that despite the special precept, overall
resources remain insufficient to address flooding risk and
resilience requirements across the county.
Write to DEFRA requesting that
national restrictions on raising penalties for envirocrime be
reviewed, enabling councils to apply stronger and more deterrent
fines. The Committee asked that this should also cover wider
regulatory penalties where outdated ceilings limit effective
enforcement.
Note the reduction in the crisis and
resilience budget and review whether this reduction is appropriate
in the context of increasing pressures related to climate driven
severe weather events and emergency response demands.
Consider Scrutiny’s previously
stated concerns regarding the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit, the
impending cessation of the statutory override, and the financial
risk to the authority should the override not be extended
nationally. The Committee highlighted this as a significant and
urgent corporate risk requiring clear medium term planning and
transparent public communication.
Note Scrutiny’s concern
regarding the proposed increase in charges for zoo licensing,
recognising that the small number and scale of such facilities in
Somerset may make the proposed uplift disproportionate. The
Committee requested that the Executive review and justify the level
of increase before implementation.

The Scrutiny Corporate and Resources Committee
also confirmed that the remainder of Scrutiny comments are
contained within the previously circulated Budget Scrutiny summary
report, which should accompany these additional recommendations to
the Executive.