Today is the start of a 10-week public consultation inviting proposals for new council divisions and division boundaries for Somerset Council. The consultation will close on 20th January 2025.
After we have considered all representations made to us during this consultation, we intend to publish draft recommendations in June 2025.
We will then hold a further period of consultation on our draft recommendations. Our final recommendations are expected to be published in December 2025, and the new electoral arrangements will come into effect at the local elections in 2027.
What is an electoral review?
Our electoral review will recommend new electoral arrangements for Somerset Council. We will propose:
The total number of councillors elected to the council in the future
The number of divisions
The number of councillors representing each division
Division boundaries
The names of divisions.
We will treat all submissions equally, and judge each case on its merits and against the legal criteria.
If you wish to put forward a view, we would also urge you to ensure that evidence supports your submission. For example, if you wish to argue that two areas should be included in the same electoral division, make sure you tell us why they should be together, providing evidence about community facilities, ties, organisations, and amenities, rather than simply asserting that they belong together.
There is more advice on our website about how you can get involved in the consultation. Our website features technical guidance that explains the process and our policies, as well as guidance on how to take part in each part of the process.
We have also set up a webpage dedicated to the review of Somerset Council, where you can find all the relevant information, access interactive maps of the current ward boundaries, and give your views.
Click here to find out more about this electoral review and have your say.
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Consultation
Every year we ask our communities and businesses about the level of precept (council tax contribution) for the Fire and Rescue Service. This consultation is open now until midday on 26th November (see poster below).
We would like to hear from as many people as possible across Devon and Somerset, to better understand our residents’ views. Please can you help us by completing our online survey.
Should you or anyone else be unable to complete this online, please call 01392 872354 and leave a message with your name and number. Your feedback will help to make more informed decisions for the next financial year.
Many thanks.
Richard Luffman
Communications Officer
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Timberscombe 