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

Save the Date: Somerset Business Expo returns on Wednesday the 9th of June 2027
July 16, 2026

Following the success of this year’s Somerset Business Expo, Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce has officially confirmed that the event will return on Wednesday the 9th of June 2027 at Junction 24, Bridgwater. After welcoming hundreds of visitors, 75 exhibitors, inspiring guest speakers, practical workshops and free business support sessions in 2026, planning is already underway…

Read More
The Chamber Chat Podcast returns with an honest look behind the scenes of Somerset’s biggest business Expo
July 14, 2026

The latest episode of Chamber Chat, the podcast from Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce, is now live. In episode two, Chamber Chair Matt Rudd and General Manager Roger Smith reflect on the success of the Somerset Business Expo, discussing the journey from a local business event to what has become Somerset’s biggest business Expo. The pair…

Read More
Free Innovation Workshop to Help Somerset Businesses Turn Ideas into Action
July 13, 2026

Businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators from across Somerset are invited to attend a free one day workshop designed to help transform ideas into practical, sustainable business plans. Hosted by the Somerset Innovation Hub in partnership with The Collar Factory, the Innovation Workout will take place on Friday the 17th of July, from 9.45am to 4.00pm, at…

Read More
Somerset Business Precious Thoughts Wins Gold at the Business Women Unltd Shining Star Awards
July 8, 2026

Taunton, Somerset – Precious Thoughts is celebrating after being awarded Gold at the prestigious Business Women Unltd Shining Star Awards, recognising the business's commitment to helping people preserve their life stories and leave a lasting legacy for their loved ones. The Gold Award was presented by Debbie Gilbert, founder of Business Women Unltd. Winners were…

Read More