1,300 Early Releases Strain North Somerset Care Budget

North Somerset Council faces a £6.53 million overspend in its total revenue budget for the current financial year, a figure that has improved from earlier forecasts but still requires coverage from limited reserves.

The council’s adult social care department is specifically projected to be £8.37 million over budget by the end of the year. Roger Whitfield, the cabinet member for adult social care, stated that the government’s scheme for early prisoner release is a primary driver of this increase.

More than 1,300 prisoners were released early in October as part of a national effort to reduce overcrowding. Whitfield noted that these individuals often have high care needs, which places immediate pressure on local social services.

Whitfield told the cabinet last week that the council received no additional funding to handle this surge. He described the situation as the government expecting adult social care to cover the costs of reintegration.

"The government’s early prison release scheme is putting people with high levels of need back into the community and they seem to just be expecting adult social care to pick up the tab for that," Whitfield said. He added, "That is adding to the already existing pressures we have with the budget."

The council’s total revenue budget stands at £251.64 million. In June, the projected overspend was £11.8 million. The current forecast represents a reduction of roughly £5.27 million. Council leader Mike Bell attributed this improvement to spending controls and recovery measures implemented by officers.

North Somerset holds £10.6 million in its general fund reserve. This amount was insufficient to cover the overspend forecast in June. A report presented to the cabinet on October 21 stated that the reserve level is lower than desired given the financial risks the council manages.

Local authorities must balance their budgets within the year and produce a balanced budget for the following year. To address a projected £40 million gap over the next three years, the council has already closed two libraries, ended free parking in many areas, cut the council magazine, and frozen councillor allowances. The budget gap for 2027/28 alone is estimated at £12 million.