Responses required in relation to proposed reduction in number of local councillors in Somerset. Initial deadline: 20th January
A public consultation has been launched to help shape new council divisions for Somerset Council. The Local Government Boundary Commission for England wants to hear people’s views on where they live, to help make sure that the new divisions reflect the size and shape of local communities.
An electoral review is being carried out to make sure that each local councillor represents about the same number of electors, and that the divisions they represent reflect community identities.
The Local Government Boundary Commission has decided that the number of councillors in Somerset Council should be 96. This is a change from the current council, which has 110 members.
This stage of the consultation last for 10 weeks and closes on 20 January. Further steps in the consultation process are outlined below. Rode Parish Council has responded to this consultation after a debate at the PC Meeting on 9th December. Rode PC is NOT in favour of the proposed changes, for the following reasons:
- Frome North (of which Rode is part), although having one of the lower populations (below the average population per Councillor), is a very diverse area with a number of villages of varying size as well as part of Frome town. This gives rise to a large number of different issues faced by the area. The requirements of a geographically diverse area are very different and currently the two Somerset Councillors struggle to keep up with all the issues which arise. The PC believes that reducing the number of local councillors will place even more strain on councillors.
- We strongly recommend that the area keeps two Councillors and should any changes be required then an adjustment to the area covered is considered, prior to reducing the number of councillors for Frome North.
- The requirement for two Councillors is additionally important as this area is the furthest from Somerset Council in Taunton.
Boundary Commission Timetable:
22 October 2024 – 20 January 2025: carry out an initial public consultation with communities
3 June 2025 – 11 August 2025: carry out a public consultation on our proposals
2 December 2025: publish our recommendations
TBC: ask Parliament to approve our recommendations
2027: new arrangements apply to local elections