North Somerset Council’s budget for 2019/2020 was approved at a council meeting this week, including a near 4% increase in council tax.

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Weston-super-Mare Central Ward Mike Bell said: “I voted against the council budget and council tax rise. Whilst there is much to agree with in the budget proposals, the Conservative administration haven’t listened on housing and homelessness, they haven’t listened on car parking, they haven’t listened on special educational needs and disabilities funding, they haven’t listened on help for low income families and they haven’t listened on cleaner streets.

“Under this Conservative council, average bills have increased by more than £400 a year but they are not delivering. On this basis, I don’t believe they deserve our support.”

Liberal Democrat Councillors proposed amendments to the budget that would have delivered:

• A lower council tax rise
• An immediate cut in parking charges, the introduction of residents’ parking zones and permits and fairer enforcement
• A boost to street cleaning and funding for community groups helping to clean up our streets and parks
• Investment in a park and ride scheme
• Investment in our High Street and town centre to make it more pedestrian-friendly and attract new shops and businesses