Plans to merge the Somerset town of Langport with the neighboring parish of Huish Episcopi have been paused following a legal challenge. Langport, encircled on three sides by Huish Episcopi, has seen its town council raise council tax rates significantly to cover services heavily used by Huish Episcopi residents, despite Langport’s relatively steady population.
Somerset Council had proposed merging the two parishes ahead of the local elections scheduled for May 2027. The constitution and governance committee voted in favor of moving forward with the merger in September 2025. However, the prospect of legal action has stalled this process, with the full council agreeing on May 20 to delay any final decisions.
Council leader Bill Revans acknowledged the receipt of legal advice and a formal challenge, emphasizing the need for more time to fully review the issues. “Members need more time to study that,” he said, suggesting a briefing may be arranged prior to revisiting the matter.
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The council’s monitoring officer, Alyn Jones, revealed he had received a letter from the Huish Episcopi Residents Association’s lawyers on May 14. The letter alleges that the council’s consultation and decision-making process were unlawful, irrational, and not in compliance with the council’s constitution. The association demands the council refrain from merging the two bodies and reserves the right to pursue legal action if the merger proceeds.
Jones confirmed that after reviewing the concerns and the committee’s September report, legal questions remain that need thorough examination. He recommended adjourning the agenda item and referring it back to the constitution and governance committee once further legal advice is obtained.
Councillor Ross Henley, chair of the constitution and governance committee, noted extensive consideration of community feedback in Huish Episcopi and Langport. He urged council members not to revisit the original reasons behind the merger decision during this adjournment but to focus on obtaining the necessary legal clarity before proceeding.
Councillor Sue Osborne defended the committee’s initial deliberations, stating, “We had a comprehensive debate, made a robust challenge to points raised, and spent considerable time on this. As far as I’m concerned, we delivered to the professional standard that anyone would expect. There is nothing irrational about our debate or documentation.”
The council has not specified when the issue will return to the committee for further discussion.