Tag: somerset

A consultation on division boundaries for Somerset Council has begun

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

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

Exmoor National Park Networking Day

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment
Exmoor National Park Authority is inviting businesses to join a Rural Enterprise networking event on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Lynton Town Hall. The event is open to representatives of businesses and stakeholders from across the Greater Exmoor area who are interested in learning from each other and hearing about the latest initiatives and opportunities for the rural economy.

The event will feature two sessions, with short presentations from representatives of Exmoor National Park Authority, Federation of Small Businesses, Cosmic – a digital training and consultancy company, the South West Visitor Economy Data Hub and Screen Somerset as well as a variety of local business owners and Exmoor National Park representatives.

The first session, from 11am to 1pm will focus on Business on Exmoor (relevant to all sectors) and consider the challenges and opportunities small rural business owners face. Cosmic will also talk about the digital world and how we can use AI to maximise our opportunities.

The second session, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, will focus on Tourism on Exmoor with delegates hearing about Film Tourism, The Tourism Data Hub and an update from our own National Park Centre Managers.  

Both sessions will also include input from local businesses who will be sharing their experiences of working on Exmoor. A networking lunch will be provided for all delegates as part of your ticket price from 1pm to 2.30pm, giving an opportunity to attendees to network, share ideas and learn more.

The cost is just £13 per person which includes a fantastic local produce lunch provided by Lynton eatery The Vanilla Pod.

Dan James, Rural Enterprise and Communications Manager for Exmoor National Park said:“This is a wonderful opportunity to share latest initiatives, to help businesses, nature and communities on Exmoor to thrive. There is no doubt that Exmoor faces some big challenges but also big opportunities. Last year’s event was really well received and drove lots of positive action.

On the day we’ll be sharing ideas on how we can work together and fulfil those opportunities. This is very much a partnership approach and we’re pleased to have so many partners joining us to share their expertise on the day. We’d also like to thank ‘Heart of the SW Growth hub’ who are supporting the event.”

Advanced booking is essential on a first come, first served basis and can be done online via www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/rural-enterprise.

REE is a partnership project facilitated by Exmoor National Park Authority that aims to support and promote rural businesses on Exmoor in harmony with the area’s special status as a National Park.

For more information visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/rural-enterprise or call 01398 323665