Somerset Council has confirmed the appointment of Lizzie Watkin as its new Chief Financial Officer and statutory Section 151 Officer, a move the authority says will strengthen its financial leadership as it responds to a formal government notice about its precarious finances.
Experienced local government finance director returns to county
Watkin joins the council from Wiltshire Council, where she served as Corporate Director of Resources and Section 151 Officer, with responsibility for finance, procurement, digital, asset management and transformation. Her return to Somerset follows earlier senior roles at Somerset County Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council and South Somerset District Council, giving her an established track record in local government finance and organisational improvement.
Why the appointment matters now
The timing coincides with a formal warning to Somerset Council from central government, which has ordered the authority to address what officials described as a "fragile financial position". The CFO role carries statutory duties for the proper administration of the council's finances and will be central to the ongoing improvement and transformation programmes the council says are needed to secure long‑term sustainability.
Deputy Leader Liz Leyshon said the council was “delighted to welcome Lizzie back to Somerset” and praised her experience and understanding of the county.
The council also acknowledged the contribution of Interim CFO Clive Heaphy, who led the authority's finances during a challenging period.
- Appointment confirmed by Full Council
- Start date for Section 151 role: 31 July
- Incoming responsibilities: strategic financial leadership, statutory financial administration, support for transformation programmes
Practical implications for residents and services
While the appointment does not immediately change service provision, the new CFO will play a pivotal role in shaping budget decisions that affect council services, capital projects and longer‑term financial plans. Residents can expect the finance team to focus on strengthening resilience, improving financial controls and delivering savings and efficiencies as required by government oversight.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Lizzie Watkin |
| Role | Chief Financial Officer & Section 151 Officer |
| Confirmed by | Full Council |
| Section 151 start date | 31 July |
| Previous post | Corporate Director of Resources & Section 151 Officer, Wiltshire Council |
The council says Watkin's appointment will support continuing programmes of improvement and transformation. For local observers and councillors, the priority will be how quickly she can work with political leaders and officers to deliver a credible plan that responds to the government's concerns and provides a clear route to fiscal stability.
Further reports and papers to Full Council in the coming weeks should set out the next steps and any immediate actions the finance leadership will take to shore up the authority's position and reassure residents about the management of public funds.
