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flag Somerset Council, despite a 4.99% tax rise and major savings, faces financial strain but gains relief from a 90% write-off of its special needs debt.

flag Somerset Council faces ongoing financial strain despite a 4.99% council tax rise, below neighboring areas and the national average, due to a six-year freeze. flag Misleading reports of an 11% increase were inaccurate; the council proposed up to 5.9% to meet a £2,060 Band D target. flag It lost £10 million in grants due to excluded rural cost adjustments but gained funding for deprivation. flag A major relief came from the government writing off 90% of a £100 million+ special educational needs deficit. flag Savings from unitary reorganization exceed £50 million, including £33 million from staff reductions and £5 million in top-salary cuts. flag Non-essential spending is frozen, and the council is investing in technology and prevention to save at least £3 for every £1 spent, though grant restrictions limit flexibility.

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