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

Christmas crafters urged to check tax rules
November 13, 2025

Side hustlers selling festive items need to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) online if earnings exceed £1,000 a year HMRC's Help for Hustles campaign supports people earning extra income during festive season to understand tax obligations Online checker tool can clarify if and when side hustlers need to report their additional income People making…

Read More
New Charity Shops Empower Somerset’s Youth Through Creativity and Enterprise
November 7, 2025

Two new charity gift shops are set to open in Taunton and Bridgwater this month, offering more than just handmade gifts; they’re providing young people with life-changing opportunities.  Operated by Young Somerset, the Bold & Brave shops will officially launch on Tuesday, 18th November, with ribbon-cutting ceremonies and community celebrations planned at both locations. The Taunton shop which…

Read More
New footage shows impressive progress at Agratas’ Somerset battery facility
November 6, 2025

Agratas has shared dramatic aerial footage capturing construction progress at its battery manufacturing facility in Bridgwater, Somerset. The multi-billion-pound project is set to be the biggest of its kind in the UK and will play a pivotal role in advancing clean technology and sustainable energy, producing battery cells destined for electric vehicles and energy storage…

Read More
It’s not too late to enter the Somerset Business Awards 2026!
November 4, 2025

If you’ve entered the Sedgemoor Business Awards you still have time to submit your application for the Somerset Business Awards 2026, too! Organised annually by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, the awards are free to enter and businesses do not need to be a member of the Chamber to take part. Leading accountancy firm, Albert Goodman,…

Read More