David Heath has called on Somerset County Council to bin proposed budget cuts as government figures announced today show the county will be spared big cuts in government support. 

The Local Government Finance announcement made today show a cut of just 2 per cent in support for Somerset. County Council leaders have insisted they are being forced to make huge cuts in spending and decimate services to meet government demands.

Mr Heath said:

"Weeks ago I said it was ridiculous for Somerset to be setting out massive cuts long before they knew what was in store for them from government. 

"Now we do know, and what we know is that Somerset has one of the best settlements in the country, one which should mean there needs to be no cuts in front line services. It would be outrageous if they now go ahead with a programme of cuts that goes further than other counties.

"They should bin their plans and think again."