Town council to take over assets

Photo: Courtesy of Alan Harrison

Portishead Town Council has confirmed plans to take over key local assets and services from North Somerset Council in a move to protect parks, play areas and community facilities.

The proposed devolution comes as North Somerset Council faces rising costs, with more than 60% of its budget now spent on adult and children’s social care, leaving little for local parks, play areas and other public spaces.

Last summer, residents were consulted on whether the town council should take on these services and the majority who took part in the consultation supported the plan. Assets likely to transfer include the Lake Grounds, East Wood, 14 play areas, parks maintenance, litter and dog-bin services, public toilets, allotments and Somerset Hall.

The council says all assets will transfer at zero cost, with North Somerset Council contributing £600,000 in S106 funding - money from developers, legally required for investment in the community in which they are building. Transfers of the assets are expected to begin in April 2026.

Lake Grounds improvements planned, include a lake clean-up, new café and other enhancements and parking will remain free.

Portishead Town Council’s current budget is £1.57 million, with spending this year expected to come in slightly under budget, including £400,000 earmarked for refurbishing three community halls.

To fund the new responsibilities, the council plans to use reserves, grants and third-party investment. The precept – the part of the council tax paid to Portishead Town Council to be spent solely on Portishead – will increase to help meet the financial demands. The precept for a band D property for 2026–27 will be £225.50 for the year, an increase of £1.60 per week, or £83.43 annually. Lower-band properties will pay less and existing exemptions will remain. The increase, along with reserves, is expected to generate around £1 million that will maintain and improve local services.