Elections next year as 'One Somerset' plan gets Government approval

Robert Jenrick, the Secretary for State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, today confirmed the 'One Somerset' business case will be taken forward.

The district councils had proposed an alternative vision, with two Somerset councils - which they argued would better reflect the county.

Sedgemoor Council leader and Stronger Somerset supporter councillor Duncan McGinty gives his reaction after their bid was rejected.

The plans will see 5 to 20 new Local Community Networks established 'to give local people the chance to shape their own communities - with real constitutional powers to scrutinise, impact and take decisions'.

Cllr David Fothergill, Leader of Somerset County Council, said: “We’re delighted the Secretary of State has backed our ambitious plans to give Somerset the resilient, unified, and dynamic system of local government it deserves.

“The success of partnership work throughout the pandemic to support our most vulnerable and roll out the vaccination programme has clearly demonstrated what we can achieve in Somerset when we work together.

“One Somerset is simple, it is clear, and it delivers what our residents want – better services, better value for money, decisions made locally, and an end to the confusion and bureaucracy of having multiple overlapping councils.

“We are now calling on everyone to get behind One Somerset – and we look forward to working with our district councils, partners and everyone who lives or works in Somerset to deliver our vision of improved services for all.”

Cllr Faye Purbrick, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transformation and Local Government Reorganisation, said: "We want all our residents and communities to be a part of this too.

"There will be lots of opportunities for everyone to get involved as the new council is set up. We’re already organising consultative groups and I would encourage anyone with an interest to please get in touch now and help shape the future.”

In a joint statement, the Leaders of Somerset’s four District Councils said: "The decision follows a government-run consultation from 22 February to 19 April, with a reported 5,500 responses, and a local poll organised by the district councils that took place from 18 May to 4 June, that saw more than 111,000 people voting, with 65% preferring the Stronger Somerset proposal. 

“The Secretary of State is riding roughshod over the people of Somerset who voted 65% to 35% in favour of the Stronger Somerset plan over the other scheme chosen by the Secretary of State.  

“That vote was the third time in recent history that the people of Somerset have decisively rejected proposal for a single unitary – following the referendum in 2007 and the Ipsos MORI survey in 2020. 

“By ignoring the will of the people, the Secretary of State is breaking the bond of trust between elected representatives and those they represent. The opportunities to address the real challenges our county faces – how to reduce demand on expensive crisis services, to break the cycle of inequality and under-achievement, to invest in local solutions to local issues – risk being squandered by foisting a manifestly unpopular new local government on our residents. 

“We are duty bound to represent the interests of our constituents to our fullest ability. We will continue to seek to ensure that their voices are heard. There is still chance for Parliament to see sense and force a rethink. We just cannot understand why the wishes of the people of Somerset are being ignored.” 

Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick MP said: “It is important that the restructuring of local government must be locally-led by those who know the area best and what is needed to help level up opportunity and prosperity.

“Residents, businesses and service providers in Somerset have had their say on what will work best for their area and now councils can start planning for the next step.

“Where there is local support, changing the structure of local government can offer better value for money and improved services for residents.”

For more about the One Somerset plans click here

For more about the failed Stronger Somerset bid click here

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