Major decisions in Somerset could be taken at a more local level as part of the transition to the county’s new unitary authority,.

On April 1, 2023, Somerset County Council and the four district councils – Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton, and South Somerset – will be officially replaced by the new unitary Somerset Council, which will take on all the existing councils’ responsibilities for services.

To prevent power from being over-centralised in any one part of the county, the new council will put in place a number of local community networks (LCNs) which could have a range of decision-making powers.

A formal consultation on the LCNs – including how many there should be and what powers they should have – has now been launched, with residents being able to put their views across until mid-October.

The consultation opened on Monday (September 5) and will officially close on October 17.

The easiest way to take part is by visiting https://somerset.inconsult.uk/LCNs/consultationHome and completing the online questionnaire.

If you want a paper copy of the consultation, or would like the information in an easy-read or alternative format, email [email protected] or call Somerset County Council direct on 0300 123 2224.

If you prefer to give your views in person there are in-person events including:

• September 7, 10am-4pm: Somerset West and Taunton Council, Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton;

• October 10, 10am-4pm: Somerset West and Taunton Council, West Somerset House, Killick Way, Williton.

Following the consultation, the council’s executive will debate the finding and make a final decision on the number and powers of the LCNs on November 16.

All the LCNs will be in place ahead of ‘vesting day ‘ in April 2023.