AN 11 per cent council tax rise proposed by Somerset Council has been blocked by the Government.

The decision was welcomed by the council’s opposition Conservative group, which campaigned against the increase.

The Liberal Democrat-run council had asked for up to an 11 per cent rise as part of its request to Government for ‘exceptional financial support’ (EFS) measures for a third year in a row.

EFS would have allowed the council to by-pass regulations requiring it to hold a public referendum on any council tax rise above 4.99 per cent.

A council spokesperson said: “The council will now consider carefully the implications, which are likely to require further damaging cuts to services and long term changes.”

Conservative group leader Cllr Diogo Rodrigues said an 11 per cent rise would have meant many people paying £200 more this year.

Cllr Rodrigues said one of West Somerset’s MPs, Sir Ashley Fox, and more than 3,600 residents supported the opposition campaign.

He said the outcome would be a relief for hard working families, pensioners, and residents already facing rising household costs.

Cllr Rodrigues said: “Over 3,600 Somerset residents signed our letter, firing a clear warning shot at the Liberal Democrat administration, get your own house in order and stop wasting money before asking people to pay more.

“Those voices were backed by Sir Ashley Fox, who stood with residents and was the only MP to publicly support this campaign.

“Together, that pressure has made a difference.”

Cllr Rodrigues said on top of last year’s 7.5 per cent council tax rise, which was at the time said to be ‘exceptional’, and the pressure placed on town and parish councils to take on Somerset Council services, the impact was unaffordable for many people.

He said: “This outcome gives Somerset households some breathing space.

“The responsibility now lies squarely with the Liberal Democrats to work at pace, deliver the savings and efficiencies needed, and put the council on a secure financial footing, without repeatedly turning to residents to cover up their financial incompetence.”

Lib Dem leader Cllr Bill Revans said: “Clearly, nobody wants to increase council tax, but this announcement means Somerset will remain at a disadvantage due to historic decisions and we will continue to have less funding to deliver important services for our residents.

“We will face further difficult and heartbreaking choices about council services and charges.

“Government uses a notional band D council tax figure of £2,060 to calculate funding entitlements for councils.

“We will remain below this level by more than £100.

“Government have shifted responsibilities to councils, but without giving us the ability to raise income to the levels needed, and without taking into account historic decision making by predecessor authorities.

“I have repeatedly said that council tax is not a fair way to pay for services like social care.

“This is not just my view, it was echoed by the cross-party Select Committee last year which called for urgent reform of a ‘broken’ system.

“Our residents continue to pay more and receive less.”