THE first budget for Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWAT) has been set without cuts to services.

It means that the commitments already made by Taunton Deane Borough and West Somerset councils can be kept, including the planned spending of £16 million of ‘new homes bonus’ and £15m of community infrastructure funds.

The new council will also support the economy through additional proposals such as pump-priming grants for business start-ups and funding towards electric vehicle charging points.

And it will make further improvements to its own financial position through building its commercial approach and generating new income streams.

SWAT will be investing more than £100m in running services such as:

n Collecting and recycling household waste.

n Keeping main streets clean and tidy.

n Providing support and accommodation to prevent and minimise homelessness.

n Investing in arts, culture and leisure facilities.

n Looking after parks and open spaces.

Council leader Cllr John Williams said: "We know there is uncertainty beyond next year with the spending review and further reforms on the horizon for business rates and new homes bonus.

“However, the new council starts off on a sound financial footing with positive longer term prospects.”

The council, together with neighbouring authorities in Somerset, is part of a business rates pool which has bid successfully to be a pilot for 75 per cent retention – which has the potential to keep around £7m of additional funding within Somerset.

“SWAT’s forecast share of this gain is around £1.2m and a special economic growth and prosperity fund has been created for this.

“Forming the new council has also meant implementing a uniform Council Tax rate across the whole of the new council area."

The new Band D Council Tax for SWAT has been set at £159.63 – a little over £3 per week. It includes £1.75 collected for the Somerset Rivers Authority.