B&NES council needs to find a pretty big sum next year - an additional £24.53m.

ON the council web site it explains that it is required by law to set a balanced budget, so to close the funding gap the council is consulting on a Council Tax rise of 2.99% plus an additional 2% for Adult Social Care (making a total rise of 4.99%), additional income of £6.51m and savings of £10.31m.

The council wants to know from residents what they think about on going so called 'operational' spending on day-to-day services. This does not include spending on infrastructure such as transport projects, sometimes called capital schemes.

One idea on the table, to bring in parking charges based on vehicle emissions for Midsomer Norton and Radstock, where parking is currently free of charge, to an equivalent level as in Keynsham. That, say the council, could bring in an income of £195,000.

Another proposal is also being put forward is to reduce the opening hours at Midsomer Norton recycling centre, a figure within the budget puts that at saving £60,000, with the council insisting that the current booking system can remain.

The final budget proposals for 2024 to 2025, which will be considered by cabinet on 8 February and Full Council on 20 February. Things may change when the council learns how much it will be getting from central government.

Proposals will be scrutinised by the Corporate Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel on January 23, before going to cabinet and Council.

To view the savings and income proposals and to respond to the consultation, head here budget consultation pages on our website.

The consultation is open now and will close at 5pm on 15 January 2024.