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

The Pocket Strategist strengthens support for SMEs with new Associate Consultant
August 28, 2025

The Pocket Strategist, a Somerset-based consultancy helping ambitious service-based SMEs increase profit, streamline operations and strengthen teams, has welcomed a new Associate Consultant, Kristiina Gwynne, to its growing team. With over 20 years’ experience leading operations and teams, alongside more than a decade of running her own business and supporting other founders, Kristiina brings deep…

Read More
Share your views on Bridgwater Docks regeneration
August 21, 2025

The public are being asked to share their views on newly developed plans to transform Bridgwater Docks.  The project is one of 11 schemes that fall under the umbrella of Bridgwater Town Deal that received £23.2million to regenerate and modernise Bridgwater town centre. The Bridgwater Docks project includes new active travel (walking and cycling) routes…

Read More
Dryad Gin Named Finalist in the Great British Food Awards 2025
August 12, 2025

We’re delighted to celebrate the news that Sedgemoor Chamber member Dryad Gin has been shortlisted in the Gin Category of the prestigious Great British Food Awards 2025. From hundreds of entries nationwide, only the very best made it through, and Dryad Gin will now be judged by an impressive panel of celebrity food and drink…

Read More
The Castle Hotel Offers Free Room Hire for August Events
August 12, 2025

The Castle Hotel in Taunton, one of Somerset’s most historic and picturesque venues, is inviting businesses and individuals to take advantage of a special August offer free room hire in their Garden, Wisteria, and Castle Bow Rooms. The offer is valid for events taking place during August 2025, providing savings of up to £525. Whether…

Read More