WEST Somerset Council's leader and chief executive faced questioning from Taunton Deane councillors this week on possible new links between the two authorities.

Cllr Tim Taylor and Adrian Dyer were invited to attend a meeting of the borough council's corporate scrutiny committee after West Somerset's decision in December to work with Taunton Deane in a bid to find a solution to its long-term financial problems.

A business case is currently being drawn up on the joint commissioning of services, West Somerset becoming a commissioning authority alone, or the possibility of both councils sharing one chief executive and management team and services.

It had initially been expected that West Somerset would link up with Sedgemoor District Council but the situation changed after Sedgemoor indicated it would not support a commissioning model.

Sedgemoor's motives were also called into question by West Somerset councillors, with the proposed Hinkley C development on the horizon.

Scrutiny committee chairman Cllr Jefferson Horsley said it was reasonable for Taunton Deane to ask why the change of mind had taken place.

And he raised concerns about how Taunton Deane would cope with the additional burden of work - its deputy chief executive and finance director has been seconded to lead the project on behalf of both councils.

"Taunton Deane must start from the outset to be aware of county, regional and national implications of its involvement and the likely consequences of any recommendations that are forthcoming," said Cllr Horsley."

Speaking to the Free Press yesterday (Thursday), Cllr Taylor said the meeting had been positive.

"The scrutiny committee quite rightly wished to know more details about West Somerset's request for Taunton Deane to work with us on a business case investigating West Somerset becoming either a collaborative or commissioning authority.

"Taunton Deane councillors asked numerous questions which Mr Dyer and I were able to answer.

"I certainly felt the meeting was positive and I look forward to further discussions with Taunton Deane at both member and officer level."