Somerset district councillors are being asked to back recommendations to give the people of Somerset a vote on how local councils are organised.
A proposal to hold a local referendum on the two options for local government reform in Somerset will be discussed at council meetings in each of the four district councils.
All electors across Somerset would be given the chance to vote for either Stronger Somerset, proposed by the four district councils, or One Somerset, the county council’s alternative.
Voting in the referendum would be online or by post. The poll would provide supporting evidence to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on top of that being collected during its current consultation.
Leader of Mendip District Council, cllr Ros Wyke, said, “This is a crucial decision with far-reaching consequences. People have asked me why the views of those most affected – namely the people of Somerset – are not being actively sought. This referendum will put that right.”
The proposal before councillors is that the local referendum would open on 7th May and close on 28th May. Voting would be by post or online and the poll would be run independent of the local councils by Civica Electoral Services (formerly Electoral Reform Services).
This would mean that the result of the poll would be available to the MHCLG before the decision is due as in June or July.
Send us your news!
Help us keep your community connected and informed.
Do you have an interesting story you would like to share? Have you seen something you feel needs more attention? Get in touch with a reporter today!
✉️ Click here to get in touch with a reporterSupport Frome Times
Help us keep your community connected and informed.
Local news is under pressure more than ever. For just £5 a month, you can support independent reporting that shares local stories, investigates the issues that affect you, and keeps residents up to date.
Choose a monthly subscription or a one-off donation to support independent journalism in Frome.
