NO cuts for services and the launch of three regeneration projects have been achieved by South Somerset, despite a year hit by deadly pandemic.

The financial plan relied on income from investment in commercial properties and savings from the council Transformation programme to deliver a balanced budget.

South Somerset District Council has published an ‘annual achievements report’ with their successes for 2019/20 against their annual action plan.

Among the main achievements for the past 12 months is the launch of regeneration projects in Chard, Yeovil and Wincanton.

Councillor Val Keitch, leader of South Somerset District Council, said: “Providing key services and going above and beyond our duty is what South Somerset District Council does best.

“As councillors, we have set very ambitious targets within the Annual Action Plan and officers continue to deliver for communities within the district.

The full End of year Achievement Report can be viewed online on the SSDC website.

The council also boasted of its annual budget, which saw no cuts for local services.

An Annual Action Plan for 2020/21 was agreed by Full Council in February 2020.

Cllr Keitch added: “I am very proud to say that we are working towards our vision for South Somerset where we are a place where businesses flourish, communities are safe, vibrant and healthy; where residents enjoy good housing and cultural, leisure and sporting activities.”

The past 12 months also saw SSDC double its commercial budget.

Between 2017 and November 2019, council officers spent nearly £75million on commercial property, designed to make provide additional income for the area while central government funding is reduced.

This included 13 buildings across UK, from GoCompare’s Newport HQ, to business units near Bournemouth and Milton Keynes.

When the initial £75m pot was agreed by the council, a target net yield of seven per cent was also set, which SSDC said it has achieved.

An extra £75milion was added to the commercial pot at the end of the last calendar year.

A spokesman for SSDC added: “A 10-year Economic Development Strategy was launched to ensure we are well placed to attract new businesses, help start-ups and encourage diversity and innovation.

“Alongside this we continue to improve customer service with new technology, providing dedicated resources to support those who are most vulnerable, continuing our great work to alleviate homelessness and working hard to protect the environment.

The council is shortlisted for two national MJ awards - including best commercial council.