Somerset Council has decided not to provide any further input on the county’s future electoral boundaries, describing the ongoing government consultation process as “laborious, brutal and challenging.”
The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) is overseeing a review of Somerset’s political map ahead of the 2027 local elections. The review proposes reducing the number of councillors on Somerset Council from 110 to 96.
The initial consultation took place from early June to mid-August, with a final report originally expected on December 2. However, the commission announced a delay until March 2026 and introduced an additional consultation phase running until January 14, 2026.
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Somerset Council has chosen to stand by its original submission and decline participation in the reopened consultation, citing a desire to avoid wasting more time on the issue.
The LGBCE reopened the consultation after realizing it had misinterpreted the council’s stance on single-councillor divisions. Contrary to initial assumptions, neither councillors nor senior officers requested predominantly single-member divisions. This distinction is significant, as single-councillor divisions would reshape Somerset’s electoral map markedly compared to the current model, which includes multi-councillor divisions.
The council’s Constitution and Governance Committee discussed the consultation at length during its December 4 meeting in Taunton. Councillor Ross Henley, committee chairman and Liberal Democrat for Blackdown and Neroche, reflected on the difficult process and councillors' frustration.
“Given that the LGBCE will reconsider all submitted evidence, I propose that we decline to form another working group or submit a further formal response,” Henley said. “We have clearly stated our position, and they will review it again. We encourage parish councils, political parties, and members of the public to participate before the consultation closes.”
Councillor Tim Kerley, Liberal Democrat for Somerton, agreed. “By not submitting again, we avoid reopening Pandora’s Box and instead strengthen our original case.”
Concerns about the proposed boundaries not reflecting recent housing developments were raised by Councillor Helen Kay, Green Party representative for Frome East. She explained, “Many new developments are missing from their maps, especially in areas like Keyford, which used to be a separate village with its own identity. These wards should represent what residents feel is their local community.”
Councillor Emily Pearlstone, Liberal Democrat for Martock, highlighted the effort council members have already invested in the process: “We’ve participated in countless meetings, debating and shaping our position extensively. The commission should recognize this hard work and avoid causing us any more distress.”
The consultation remains open to public input. Participants can contribute via the LGBCE website at www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/somerset, by emailing [email protected], or by mailing their comments to Review Officer (Somerset), The Local Boundary Commission for England, 7th Floor, 3 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8YZ.
The commission’s final recommendations are set to be published in March 2026, with new electoral boundaries due to take effect before the local elections on May 6, 2027.