The four Somerset District Councils have agreed to finance an independent ballot of the public on the choices available for the restructuring of the Somerset Council Structure.
There are two proposals in the consultation process, which is run by The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Proposal 1 – supported by Somerset County Council which is called ‘One Somerset‘ which would result in one Unitary Council responsible for delivery of all public services and,
Proposal 2 – supported by the four District Councils called ‘Stronger Somerset‘ which would result in two Unitary Councils called East Somerset and West Somerset each responsible for public service delivery.
The ballot is not be binding on the Ministry and neither is it supported by Somerset County Council.
The District Councils have written to the Secretary of State informing him of the polling arrangements and asked that the poll results be ‘properly considered as part of the decision making process on the future of Local Government in Somerset.
All voters in Somerset have received ballot papers with brief details of the options available including links to websites supporting both options. Voting can be either on line using the details supplied or by completing the ballot paper and returning it in the envelope provided. Voting closes at 5pm on Friday June 4th.