Taunton Deane Council leader Cllr John Williams (Con) said the greatest peace-time cuts in living memory were caused by Labour’s “profligacy”.

Mr Williams added: “These budget cuts will affect us all, but what we have to do is ensure at Taunton Deane Council we continue the efficiency savings we’ve been implementing for several years and, most of all, redirect what resources we do have to planning and investing for the future.

“Our ambitious plans for the regeneration of Taunton haven’t gone away and only by continuing with them can we help our community and the country regain its economic engine of growth.

“The budget cuts about to be imposed upon us will no doubt be painful but very, very necessary.

“However, we must all look to the future and use the resources that remain to the best possible advantage for the community we serve.”