Conservative-controlled Somerset County Council today confirmed its plans to secure the futures of the County’s Museums, Heritage and Learning services - saving the council tax payer over £400,000 in the process.
The new structure of the services will allow them to take control of their own future whilst opening doors to a possible influx of external funding and commercial deals that could boost inward investment.
Somerset Heritage Service will be converted into a Charitable Trust in a move that will allow it to take control of its day to day operations without changing the front-line service it offers.
The new not for profit Trust will continue to operate for the benefit of the public, offering the same services whilst ensuring it remains a financially viable organisation.
Somerset Skills and Learning is working towards a move to a social enterprise service, retaining its existing staff and continuing to operate as it currently does, offering accessible learning opportunities to the people of Somerset.
Deputy Leader of Somerset County Council, David Hall, said: “This is a move that will benefit council tax payers and the services themselves without anyone noticing significant changes to the front line services they currently enjoy.
“We are looking at different ways of delivering our services that ensure they continue to offer a fantastic customer experience whilst making sure the taxpayer gets the best possible value for money.
“This decision will provide both the Heritage Service and Somerset Skills and Learning with the freedom to control their own business operations by allowing them to explore a number of funding and commercial options that currently are not possible. We wish them well in the future.”