'Seeking opinion on the specific and detailed legal issues the letter raises'
Some councils in Somerset last night agreed to take legal advice after the Government warned them their plans for a referendum would be a waste of public money.
At the moment there's five main councils, and the government is currently consulting on whether to reduce that number to one or two.
Last night Mendip and South Somerset councils had expected to vote on whether to hold a referendum over the two options.
But that was paused after the communities secretary criticised the idea.
Robert Jenrick said it risks duplicating his consultation - and likely wouldn't add anything.
In a statement the councils say they'll now seek legal advice.
It reads: "The council has agreed to defer consideration of the proposal to hold a local poll on the future of local government in Somerset in the light of the Secretary of State’s letter.
"They will be seeking leading counsel’s opinion on the specific and detailed legal issues the letter raises.
"This will ensure that all councillors have full and thorough legal advice when reaching their decision on such a significant issue."
For more about the One Somerset or Stronger Somerset proposals click here