Concerns Over Burnham-On-Sea CCTV Cut

Somerset's Police Commissioner worries turning off CCTV, including Burnham-On-Sea, for cost savings jeopardizes safety.

16:48 10 January 2024

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Somerset has expressed profound concerns about the proposal to deactivate CCTV cameras in Burnham-On-Sea and various county locations, citing potential risks to public safety due to cost-saving measures. This proposal is part of Somerset Council's efforts to prevent financial insolvency.

Council Leader Bill Revans acknowledges the adverse impact of discontinuing the CCTV service on county safety, emphasizing that CCTV is a discretionary service not legally mandated for councils to provide. Mark Shelford, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, echoes the concerns of local businesses, emphasizing the potential safety risks they might face.

Shelford, unaware of any formal consultation with the police about the impact of turning off CCTV on crime prevention, seeks assurance from Chief Constable Sarah Crew. He emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making, considering both value and cost.

These concerns arise shortly after Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge's CCTV cameras underwent a £21,000 upgrade by the council. Revans, while acknowledging the financial cuts as heartbreaking, deems them necessary to save £100 million. Proposed measures include a potential 10% increase in council tax, closure of recycling centers, asset sales, and higher parking charges.

Somerset Council, facing cost pressures of £108.5 million in 2024-25, an annual increase of 20%, plans to request special permission from the government for a 10% council tax increase—double the usual limit. Potential effects include the closure of five recycling centers, uncertainty about Highbridge's facilities, reduced funding for highway maintenance, and the cessation of money for council-owned public toilets. Subsidies for bus services are also under review.

Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Council will assess the possibility of assuming responsibility for some affected facilities. Somerset Council hopes that in areas where discretionary service cuts occur, other bodies, such as town councils, will step in to manage them.

To balance the budget, the council intends to use nearly £37 million from reserves and may seek government permission to borrow money or sell assets for day-to-day running costs. A public consultation is ongoing, leading up to the final council budget meeting on February 20.