THE final confirmation that West Somerset and Taunton Deane councils will merge into a new, single district council came this week when it was officially approved by the Government.
The Structural Change Order to create the new council has been signed by Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, James Brokenshire, and the new council will come into being in April next year with elections being held a month later in early May.
The leaders of the existing councils, Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew (West Somerset) and John Williams (Taunton Deane) said it had been a long – and not always easy – process.
“Our focus is, and always has been, on our people - our residents, businesses, partners and our staff.
“The single new, modern and fit-for-purpose council will enable us to make savings of at least £3.1m for the taxpayer and help us to protect services people value, cut red tape, reduce duplication and keep Council Tax bills low ... while savings are important, this is also about being stronger together ...
“This is about creating a new council that puts local people first and is fit for the 21st century. It won’t be a bolt-together or merger of the old ..."
Until the new council comes into being, a shadow council will be in place to ensure the transition from the two existing councils to the new council in April next year.
The shadow council will meet for the first time next Thursday at Oake Manor Golof Club at 6pm.