Author Archives: Peter Elliott
Have your say on Somerset’s economic future
Residents, businesses and other groups are being asked to have their say on what the economic future holds for Somerset. The Somerset Economic Futures project has been commissioned by Somerset County Council, Mendip District Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council and South Somerset District Council. From April 2023, the five councils will […]
Now is the time for One Somerset – one big opportunity to improve public services for all
Somerset County Council is calling on residents and businesses to get behind its ambitious plans for a new model of local government which offers improved public services for all. Today the government has begun a public consultation into changing the way local councils work in Somerset. It gives everyone the chance to have their say […]
Letter to the Prime Minister
Letter sent to Prime Minister Boris Johnson following recent claims about Somerset County Council and Covid funding Dear Prime Minister I was extremely disappointed to hear the comments made in the Commons yesterday by Ian Liddell-Grainger MP concerning Somerset County Council’s alleged use of Covid-19 funding and felt compelled to write directly to you to […]
Join us for a live Somerset coronavirus Q&A session
Public Health and Council leaders will be online this Thursday night (26 November) to answer questions from Somerset residents after the latest Government announcements. On Thursday the Government is expected to lay out which tier Somerset will be in once lockdown ends on 2 December. Somerset County Council’s Director Public Health Trudi Grant and Leader […]
Support for Somerset residents during lockdown
Help is available for anyone in Somerset who may need additional support during the second national lockdown. The five councils in Somerset have been working together since the first lockdown to provide a single phone number for anyone in Somerset who needs Coronavirus-related support. Residents are reminded they can call 0300 790 6275 if they […]
New report suggests ONE clear winner in unitary debate
An independent report out today highlights the benefits of creating a new single council for Somerset – but also warns of the dangers and costs of dividing the county into multiple unitary authorities. Somerset County Council has asked the Government to consider replacing the five existing councils in Somerset with a simple, single unitary council to end […]
U-turn paves way for unitary talks
In a shock announcement tonight, Somerset’s district councils have performed a major U-turn and have agreed to work towards a plan to abolish themselves and create two new unitary authorities across Somerset. It comes after two years of district councils arguing that unitary authorities were not the best option for Somerset. The news was delivered […]
A clear case for One Somerset – why one council is better than five
A new single council for Somerset would put an end to confusion for residents, give greater powers to local communities and free up millions of pounds that can be reinvested in frontline services – that’s according to a new report out today. The business case for One Somerset, published today by Somerset County Council, highlights […]
Measures to support reopening of Somerset’s high streets
Emergency measures to support the reopening of high streets in Somerset are being rolled out across the county. From Monday 15 June, lockdown restrictions are being relaxed with many non-essential retail businesses allowed to reopen. The Government advises the public to avoid using public transport where possible and instead opt for walking and cycling instead. […]
One Somerset engagement underway
Surveys of residents and businesses across the county will take place from this week as Somerset County Council gathers views towards disbanding all five councils and setting up a new single Unitary Authority. It follows a decision in February that Somerset County Council will look to reduce duplication and waste across the five councils and […]
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