01278 228004

Chamber News

You are here: 

Help us shape a new unitary council for Somerset

Monday 22nd November, 2021

Organisations from across the county are joining together to deliver a new unitary council for Somerset – and local people are encouraged to be part of the conversation.

A public meeting is planned at Donyatt Village Hall, near Ilminster, on 25th November, 3pm until 5pm. It’s the third in a monthly series of events where residents and communities are invited to learn about, and feed into, the new council process.

Members of the recently-established Joint Advisory Board will be on-hand to answer any queries. They include representatives from Somerset County Council, the four District Councils, Somerset Association of Local Councils, City, Town and Parish Councils, health, police, education, and the voluntary and community sector. 

The Board is also developing  links to the Somerset Youth Parliament, and is particularly keen to engage young people in the sessions.

The role of the Board is advisory but its proposals, ideas and recommendations will feed in to the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Joint Committee – the decision-making body.

On the agenda at the Board this month will be the operating and governance principles of the new council, communications, an update on Local Community Networks (LCNs) and emerging plans for the next Town and Parish Council Conference.

Covid safety measures will be in place and mask-wearing is encouraged by attendees.

On 1st April 2023, Somerset will become a unitary authority, replacing the current County Council and four District Councils with a single council governing the whole area.  Find out more HERE.

Latest news

Environment Agency launches consultation on Hinkley Point C permit variation
June 6, 2026

The Environment Agency has launched a public consultation on an application from NNB Generation Company (HPC) Limited to change part of Hinkley Point C’s environmental permit relating to the operation of its standby diesel generators. This consultation is not about construction activity on site. It relates specifically to the permit required for combustion activities during…

Read More
UCS College Group Awards Night Recognises Skills, Resilience and Partnerships
June 6, 2026

On Wednesday 20 May 2026, UCS College Group held their very first Industry Skills Awards ceremony at The McMillan Theatre, with their host, Lucy Hawkins, Group Director of Future Skills and Growth. The event brought together their employer partners, T Level students, apprentices, supported employment students and staff for an evening of celebration. The Industry…

Read More
Sedgemoor Chamber launches new Chamber Chat podcast
May 29, 2026

Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of its new podcast, The Chamber Chat Podcast, giving members and the wider business community a new way to hear more about the Chamber’s work, local business issues and the people behind it all. The first episode features Roger Smith, General Manager of Sedgemoor Chamber…

Read More
SWEF Enterprise Grants open for young entrepreneurs in Somerset
May 22, 2026

Delivered locally by Somerset Community Foundation, the grants are aimed at people aged 18 to 30 who need financial support to either start a business or take an early stage venture to the next level. There are 2 funding routes available. A Start-Up Grant offers up to £500 for businesses that are close to becoming…

Read More