SOMERSET County Council spent over £19,000 on a contract with Russian-owned energy firm Gazprom, figures reveal.

Provided by data firm Tussell, the figures show the total public sector spend in the UK with Gazprom between 2016 and 2021 was £107 million – and more than a quarter (£29 million) was from local authorities.

Somerset County Council accounted for £19,318 of the spend through a contract with the firm last year.

A number of councils have now said they want to end contracts with Gazprom and are exploring alternative options, as attacks intensify following the Russian invasion of Ukraine last week.

A spokesperson for the Local Government Association said: “Councils are deeply saddened by the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine and are following the situation closely.

“It is up to individual councils to decide how to act locally but, like many organisations, they will be reviewing what action they might want to take in light of UK sanctions and the ongoing situation.”

The LGA added that it is looking at how to bring councils together next week to discuss their plans and agree shared approaches.

Meanwhile, a senior government source has confirmed that health secretary Sajid Javid has been in talks with NHS England over ending contracts with Gazprom.

The source said: “Sajid has spoken with NHS England and been clear that trusts need to stop using Gazprom as a supplier.

“He has also requested a wider review of any Russian role in supply chains across the health service.”

The NHS accounted for £77 million (72%) of the public sector spend with Gazprom over six years.