News from across the Council

Read all the latest community news and updates from around the council

Enter your keywords

Type one or more words to search for those services, for example:

support groups

Filter by

Filter your results

Dates between

All results (755)

Historic Milestone for Taunton

April 6, 2023

Press Release

A historic milestone in Taunton’s history was reached on Saturday (1 April) when the county town’s own council came into being. The new council covered the previously unparished area of Taunton, the only part of Somerset not to have a…

Bus use on rise as operator is praised for making timely improvements

April 6, 2023

Climate Emergency

Press Release

Travel

Figures show more people in Somerset are choosing to ‘Bus It’ following the introduction of lower fares and evening buses as part of Somerset Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital, Cllr Mike…

Somerset Council celebrates as MJ award shortlists are announced

April 5, 2023

Children and Families

Health and Wellbeing

Press Release

Somerset Council is celebrating after being shortlisted for the prestigious Municipal Journal Awards for 2023. The Council is shortlisted in the ‘Innovation in Partnerships’ category for its trailblazing Homes and Horizons partnership, working with care providers Homes2Inspire (part of national…

Be a good egg this Easter and recycle more

April 5, 2023

Press Release

Waste

The long Easter weekend is fast approaching and this will bring a change to waste collections. Collections will now be: Good Friday 7 April: Friday collections take place on Saturday 8 April. No collections on Easter Monday 10 April. Easter…

£250 “Golden Hello” for new childminders in Somerset

April 3, 2023

Children and Families

Press Release

Somerset Council is offering a “Golden Hello” grant worth £250 to those who would like to be a childminder. The £250 can be used to help with training and set up costs. Childminding is a rewarding occupation for anyone who…

Egg-stravagant Easter donation for Somerset children in care

April 3, 2023

Children and Families

Community

Press Release

Social Care

A generous Easter donation of 120 chocolate eggs will be given to young people in the County’s care. A C Mole, an independent accountancy firm based in Somerset, has marked their 120th year in business by donating 120 Easter eggs…

Flags fly as new era dawns

April 1, 2023

Flags are flying as a new era dawns in Somerset today (Saturday 1 April) with the  official launch of Somerset Council. The new, single council’s logo features on flags that are flying  at council offices in Bridgwater, Shepton Mallet, Taunton…

Council invests in stronger support for domestic abuse victims

April 1, 2023

Health and Wellbeing

Press Release

Public Health

A new approach to domestic abuse services in Somerset aims to break the cycle of abuse, reduce repeat offending and offer stronger support for victims and families. Somerset Council’s domestic abuse service – Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (SIDAS) –…

Somerset Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme received £10k donation for bursary fund

March 31, 2023

Children and Families

Press Release

Projects

A donation of £10,000 has been made to the Somerset Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award Bursary Fund by the Somerset Freemasons during a special presentation ceremony on Friday, 17 March.  The event, which took place at Carymoor Environmental Centre, was…

Ambitious plans to transform education in Somerset

March 22, 2023

Children and Families

Ambitious plans to transform education and drive improvements in Somerset schools have been unveiled. Somerset Council’s new five-year education strategy was shared with professionals from across schools, local authorities, Ofsted and the Department for Education at the Somerset Education for…

Secondary school places announced for 2023/2024 academic year

March 2, 2023

Children and Families

Somerset children starting secondary school in September will today (1 March) find out which school they will be attending. Parents who have applied for places online will be emailed with their offer of a school place, whilst those who applied…

Not all heroes wear capes – Somerset’s community stalwarts celebrated in this year’s Chair’s Awards

February 28, 2023

Community

Gold-hearted community heroes from across Somerset have been recognised at the latest Somerset Council Chair’s Award for Service to the Community. The awards-giving has been an annual event for many years and this year’s ceremony at Taunton Rugby Club was…

Fostering books start countywide library tour on World Book Day

February 27, 2023

Children and Families

Community

Events

Six inspiring books start a tour around Somerset Libraries on World Book Day, raising awareness of the importance of foster carers. The tour, which begins on Thursday 2nd March at Taunton Library and moves to 11 more local libraries, is…

Essential repairs and resurfacing on A39 at Selworthy

February 27, 2023

Travel

Urgent drain and gully repairs are being undertaken on the A39 Selworthy Road between Headon Cross and Venniford Cross next month. Somerset Council’s Highways team will be carrying out the repairs and preparatory works under a road closure during daytime…

Hazardous B3191 cliff road expected to remain closed indefinitely

February 24, 2023

Travel

A clifftop road near Watchet is set to remain closed indefinitely for safety reasons on expert advice. Somerset Council initially closed the B3191 at Cleeve Hill on 12 January following the results of a geotechnical survey. Now more detailed inspections…

‘Bus It’ for £2 on single bus journeys across Somerset

February 14, 2023

Travel

Bus users in Somerset will be able to travel on most routes in the county for just £2 from January. The major fare cut is part of an initiative funded by the Government aimed at boosting bus use while helping…

New recycling regulations coming into force: pilot programme launched to help Somerset businesses comply

February 14, 2023

Climate Emergency

Waste

New recycling regulations for businesses are coming soon and Somerset is one of five areas nationally to pilot a business support programme, designed to prepare its businesses for the change. The new regulations will require all businesses, healthcare establishments and…

Bear trail and other free fun activities at Taunton library this half-term

February 14, 2023

Children and Families

Community

Events

A variety of bear-themed family games, activities and competitions are planned at Taunton Library during February Half Term (11-18 February), inspired by Fostering In Somerset’s latest TV campaign: Anna’s Story. The week offers something for all ages, with activities such…

Government confirms Walton/Ashcott bypass proposal will not go ahead

February 14, 2023

Travel

Somerset Council has received confirmation that a funding bid for a major road improvement has been unsuccessful. Lead Member for Transport and Digital Cllr Mike Rigby has said the Council will continue to seek Government funding to look at alternative…

Somerset: Let’s Connect for Children’s Mental Health Week

February 14, 2023

Children and Families

Community

Health and Wellbeing

During this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week (6-12 February), Somerset Council is sharing some simple tips to encourage parents and carers to consider how they can help children to build meaningful connections as part of this year’s ‘Let’s Connect’ theme. Human beings…