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Councils back Stronger Somerset proposal which now heads to Government

Somerset’s four District Councils have overwhelmingly backed the Stronger Somerset proposal for a fresh start for the county.

At Thursday’s Full Council meetings, councillors voted 149 in favour and 24 against across all four Districts to submit the full proposal to central government, with support drawn from across the political spectrum.

Central government has invited all councils in Somerset to submit bids for a new Unitary way of working in the county. They’ll make a decision on their preferred option next year. 

The District Councils – Sedgemoor, Mendip, South Somerset and Somerset West and Taunton – have designed a joint proposal called Stronger Somerset.

The Stronger Somerset plan sets an ambitious agenda for delivering a better and more efficient quality of services to its communities. 

Building a new way of working to address the poor quality of care received by children in Somerset has played a key part in the full Stronger Somerset proposal.

The plan to give our vulnerable young people the support they need through a fully joined up approach to services received massive backing from elected members.

It has been developed by some of the UK’s leading experts in childrens’ care and built upon by conversations and engagement with those who deliver and use care services. 

Stronger Somerset also offers a new relationship with town and parish councils, builds an economy for all with a commitment to greater social mobility and the potential for a devolution deal to bring more decision making power from Westminster. 

A recent survey by Ipsos Mori, one of the world’s leading research companies, found public support from Stronger Somerset outstripping One Somerset by more than two to one. 

In a joint statement, the Leaders of Somerset’s district councils said: “We’re delighted that the Stronger Somerset proposal is gathering support and momentum the more people hear about it. 

“It’s a vision for a future that Somerset deserves and can afford. 

“The County Council’s One Somerset plan doesn’t address the challenges we face and offers more cuts and chaos. It doesn’t have public support and is silent on too many key issues.

“Our model for two unitaries – in the east and west – will simplify local government while recognising the distinct geographic, social and economic differences in our county.

“It’s sustainable and modern and will give our communities more say on how their money is spent.

“With a Combined Authority able to bring proper devolution to our area, with the power to make big decisions locally and drive real investment, we can unleash the potential of Somerset and make it fit to face the future.”

All the latest news and information, including key documents, relating to Stronger Somerset can be found at www.strongersomerset.co.uk and you can also follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

The latest version of the business case and other associated documents can be found here – www.strongersomerset.co.uk/case-for-change

Free parking will be offered in all of South Somerset District Council’s car parks in the run up to Christmas.

It is hoped the decision will encourage residents to shop locally and give businesses, the majority of which will have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, a much-needed boost.

This is when free parking will apply:

·         All car parks will be free from 3pm on Thursday 10 December until 8am on Friday 11 December to support events such as late night shopping.

·         Free parking will be offered all day and every day from Thursday 17 December to Thursday 24 December.

·         Please note, although parking fees are waived, all other terms and conditions remain in force.

Council Leader Val Keitch said: “We realise what a tremendously difficult year this will have been for so many of our businesses across all our towns and villages.

“While we have been doing all we can to offer support, through the distribution of Government grants and dedicated advice, we wanted to ensure we did something extra during what should be the busiest time of year for our retailers.

“Of course, it remains important that shoppers and visitors continue to do all they can to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and follow the latest Government guidance with South Somerset currently in Tier 2 of restrictions. We need to work together to both help our local economy while keeping ourselves and everyone around us safe.”

South Somerset District Council also continues to offer free car parking to critical key workers.

We would ask anyone who is a critical key worker to ask their employer for a note or use the passes provided by NHS trusts that they can clearly display in their vehicle stating who they work for and we will ensure they do not receive any penalty notices at this time.