AS the battle for the future structure of local government continues in Somerset, the four district councils, including Mendip, have launched a new plan, which they say offers a once-in-a-generation chance to improve the lives of everyone in the county.
Somerset County Council has pressed for its ‘One Somerset’ plan – which would see the district councils demolished and instead, a single unitary council be responsible for Somerset. This has now gone to a government department for consideration.
Now, Mendip District Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset West & Taunton Council and South Somerset District Council has launched Stronger Somerset – an ambitious strategy to reform local government. They say, “It’s a vision that has emerged from many months of detailed research, planning and consultation from our own councils and with experts in Somerset and across the UK.”
They say that Stronger Somerset will be achieved through:
• The creation of two new unitary councils for Somerset, to replace the four districts and the county council – these are the right building blocks to ensure in a county of our size, local government remains close, accessible and accountable to the people it serves, and can shape the places it is responsible for.
• Building a Western Somerset Council and an Eastern Somerset Council that focus on the differing challenges, community identities and functional economic areas – councils which have greater local knowledge of where people live and work day-to-day in the county – that exist in what is a large county
• Ensuring these councils work together as part of a wider combined authority with the powers and resources needed to drive our economy forward and improve quality of life.
In a joint statement, the leaders of Somerset’s district councils said: “Stronger Somerset is the plan our county needs. The district councils of Somerset are already delivering real economic and social impact across our region. Now, our joint plan for change will unleash a new vigour for the creation of high-skilled jobs, opportunities for our young people, clean and green growth, and great care for our vulnerable adults and children.
“Somerset does not need a system focused solely on making savings and centralising power. Somerset deserves better. It needs an ambitious plan that truly focusses on the different needs of its people and places, and that protect the voices of our diverse communities and businesses.
“Stronger Somerset will bring an end to the damaging cuts Somerset County Council has been forced to make because of the pressures it faces in adult and social care, and failing services for children with special needs.
“Central Government has made it clear that it wants a unitary solution for Somerset, but it has to be the right solution that delivers a chance for our county to not only survive, but thrive. Together, we will build a stronger Somerset.”
To find out more about the Stronger Somerset proposal visit www.strongersomerset.co.uk.
