News / North Somerset
In-house council magazine ceases publication to cut costs
North Somerset Council has ceased publication of its council magazine North Somerset Life after more than 20 years.
The publication containing updates on the council’s activities had been distributed for free to every household in the district since 2004.
Initially delivered monthly, its frequency has been repeatedly cut to save the council money, most recently going from three issues a year to just two for 2024.
But now the council has decided to stop producing the magazine to save £100,000.
Council leader Mike Bell said: “We know the printed Life magazine will be missed by many.
“However, because more and more people now access news and information online, and the cost of producing and delivering a magazine to every household is not insignificant, we’ve taken the decision to no longer produce the printed magazine.
“We encourage everyone to sign up to our Life e-newsletter to make sure they continue to get access to key information, and to share relevant information with friends or neighbours who may not be online.
“Copies of the e-newsletter are accessible through our libraries and support is available to help people get online.”
The monthly email is sent to about 106,000 email addresses, containing a round-up of the latest council news, consultations, service information, local events and more.
Ceasing production of North Somerset Life was part of a raft of cuts included in North Somerset Council’s budget for 2025/26, which was approved by councillors.
The budget raises council tax by 4.99 per cent, takes £9.1m out of the council’s reserves, and freezes councillors’ allowances.
Bell said that “unprecedented” demand in social care was the major driver of the council’s financial issues – but he also said the council was “robbed” of £50m a year through lower government funding and a lower council tax base.
He told the council meeting on February 18: “This is a ball and chain that is impossible for us.”
Main photo: John Wimperis
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