At a meeting of the Executive today (30th September), members heard that Sedgemoor is in good, strong financial shape, despite the past challenges of Covid 19 and its longer-term impacts on the economy and is in a positive position to face future challenges.
Within the Interim Medium Term Financial Plan, it was noted that due to Sedgemoor’s strong financial management over the past few years, the Council can achieve a balanced budget. Sedgemoor is 47th in the government’s listing for lowest rates of council tax, compared with 188 other district councils.
Sedgemoor is also investing in its future workforce and has run a very successful Graduate Trainee scheme for the past three years and is continuing by creating three new trainee posts to bring new thinking into the organisation. The Executive reiterated the Council’s commitment to its Climate Change work and a range of projects have been identified to support the Council’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030.
The Executive also endorsed the 30-year Economic Development Strategy. Looking to the future, it sets very ambitious goals for the Council to be centre for innovation and entrepreneurship. The document highlights the need for inclusive and clean growth across all sectors and all communities and provides foundation for transformation of Sedgemoor economy from a traditional low-wage to knowledge economy. The Strategy identifies four priorities: Clean and Inclusive Growth, Knowledge Economy and Skills, Natural Capital and Climate Change and Digital Transformation and includes a high level action plan split into short, medium and long term detailed actions. It builds on previous Sedgemoor successes and growth over the past decade. The Strategy now goes to Full Council for ratification.
