Play areas and allotments will be amongst the first assets to be offered by North Somerset Council to local councils after the cabinet approved moving forward with its local devolution plan on Wednesday (September 10). 

The initiative is designed to transfer assets and management of certain council-owned assets and services to local town and parish councils or community groups. 

North Somerset Council says it is part of its broader plan to balance costs and give local communities more control.  

The programme aims to reduce the council’s overall number of assets, achieve council savings whilst “fostering community pride and ownership”.  

North Somerset Council’s council tax increases are capped, but town and parish councils have more flexibility to raise funds – raising concerns that local taxes could climb at the town or parish level. 

Town and parish councils have already identified a range of assets and service areas that could be devolved including parks and open spaces, community halls and litter bins, and North Somerset Council is working with them on the devolution process.  

Early opportunities – such as allotments and play areas – have been earmarked for transfer, which could take place this financial year.  

Councillor Mike Bell, the leader of North Somerset Council, said: “We recognise local communities – and their Parish and Town Councils – are often best placed to run local services and facilities.  

“They have a deeper understanding of local needs and can often mobilise community resources quickly and effectively to deliver stronger, more resilient and sustainable services.  

“This programme will strengthen our partnerships with town and parish councils as well as the voluntary and community sector and ensure we work well together for the benefits of our residents. 

“This is an ambitious programme and I am grateful to the town and parish councils who have worked with us to drive this forward. We have more work to do together, but I hope we will achieve better outcomes for our community for years to come.” 

Jo Duffy, Clerk and CEO of Nailsea Town Council: “We support the statements made by our neighbouring Town Councils.” 

Cllr Paul Gardner, Chair of Portishead Town Council said; “We are ambitious for our community and welcome this unique opportunity to bring about local decision making and control to protect our green spaces, community halls, play areas and improve treasured local amenities such as Portishead Lake Grounds.  

“Past local successes such as the Portishead Open Air Pool shows that Portishead is a community that delivers. We look forward to the Jewel in The Crown returning to Portishead ownership” 

Leader of Weston-super-Mare Town Council, Councillor Ciaran Cronnelly said: “We’re really pleased to be working closely with North Somerset Council as we continue to identify and take on local assets and services that make a real difference to the people of Weston-super-Mare.  

“This next step, is handing more responsibility to the town and it’s great to see positive progress is being made. As the local council, we’re closest to the community and in the best position to look after and invest in the places and services, that matter most to our residents.” 

Like many councils across the country, North Somerset Council is continuing to face an ongoing financial challenge caused by year-on-year cuts to council budgets and rising demand for council services, particularly in care services for children and adults. Spending reductions of over £44million need to be delivered across the next three years 

This programme is aimed at reducing the overall number of assets owned or leased by North Somerset Council over time, whilst making best use of its remaining assets and resources to deliver value for money and support the council’s statutory duties. 

Town and parish council services will continue to be paid for by local residents, but greater local control will enable them to decide how to manage services, protect them and improve them in future.  

Residents won’t pay twice for the same service to both North Somerset Council and their local Town or Parish Council. 

North Somerset Council is restricted by law as to how much it can put up its council tax in a given year – the current restrictions being 2.99 per cent for general spending (spread across all services) and a further two per cent ring-fenced for adult social care. Town and parish councils don’t have the same financial constraints.