SOMERSET County Council's bid for unitary status is one of 15 which have been shortlisted by the Government. The authority announced on Tuesday that it was through to the final round, with the result expected to be known in July. A bid made by South Somerset District Council to create its own unitary authority with Mendip failed to make the grade. Cllr Cathy Bakewell, leader of Somerset County Council, said: "The business case made by the council demonstrated that a unitary system of Government for the county of Somerset will empower local decision making, deliver lower Council Tax increases and allow greater investment in frontline services. "We are confident that the wind is blowing in Government in favour of unitary status for Somerset and I hope that our colleagues in district councils will now work with us to play an equal part in helping to shape a system of government fit for the people we all serve." If unitary status is granted, it would see the abolition of all of Somerset's existing district councils. West Somerset Council has joined forces with Taunton Deane, Sedgemoor and Mendip to fight the county council's plans. District leaders said they remained confident the county council's proposals would soon be dropped and quoted the results of an opinion poll which they claimed showed opposition in the county was running at more than three to one against the unitary bid. However, it has since been discovered that just 266 people were polled - 0.05 per cent of Somerset's residents. But West Somerset Council leader Cllr Christine Lawrence was adamant the proposals did not have public support. She said: "In addition to the opinion poll there have been no fewer than nine surveys of public opinion, including several run by local newspapers and a number involving parish councillors. "I am confident that once the Government realises this, the county council's plans for a vast bureaucracy centre on Taunton are not appropriate for West Somerset now." All the unitary bids will now be subjected to a 12 week Government consultation before the final decision is taken. Cllr Lawrence added: "It is not surprising that the Government has decided to consult with people about the county council's plans, indeed, I welcome consultation provided it is fair, impartial and involves all sections of the community." She said the district councils would be launching their own series of events during the consultation period "to ensure the public voice is properly heard". Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell- Grainger went one step further and called for a referendum on the bid. He said: "If they think everyone is so pro this, let's have a referendum. "I've had to deal with County Hall for a number years, fighting for absolutely everything for West Somerset. It's been a nightmare from an MP's point of view. "West Somerset is the limb of Somerset - we don't get what is fair to us and the chances of getting that are slipping away. "All five of the county's MPs have grave concerns about this and if the local authority thinks it's a good idea, let's ask the people."