SOMERSET County Council has agreed to £130million of capital investment over the next three years.

Council deputy leader and finance boss Cllr Jill Shortland said: "Our plan is to invest at least £50million a year in the next two years and probably at least the same amount in the longer term.

"It's the highest level of capital investment by the county council, and while we're pleased with that it's still not enough.

"Generally it represents a standstill position, and we need to do more to meet people's needs and expectations -- we're exploring options to achieve this."

Corporate director for finance Chris Bilsland said: "A big change is that the county council is now not limited by Government on capital investment.

"Instead, the key issue is affordability. This capital investment is affordable within our financial plans, but this is, of course, subject to council decisions on the council tax in February."