Plans to merge Langport, a town in Somerset, with its neighbouring village, Huish Episcopi, have been paused following a legal challenge. Langport is almost entirely surrounded by Huish Episcopi, which has borne the brunt of recent housing growth. While Langport’s population has remained stable, it has faced rising council tax rates to support services used by residents of Huish Episcopi.
Somerset Council had proposed merging the two parishes ahead of the May 2027 local elections, and the constitution and governance committee initially approved the move in September 2025. However, after the council received a legal challenge from the Huish Episcopi Residents Association, full council agreed on May 20 to delay any final decisions.
Council leader Bill Revans explained the need for more time to thoroughly consider the legal advice and ensure members are fully informed before proceeding. Alyn Jones, the council’s monitoring officer, revealed that lawyers representing Huish Episcopi residents claimed the consultation and decision-making process was “unlawful, irrational, and non-compliant” with the council’s constitution. They urged the council not to merge the parishes and reserved the right to pursue legal action.
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Following a review, the council acknowledged legal concerns warranting further examination and recommended adjourning the merger proposal to seek detailed legal advice. Councillor Ross Henley, chair of the constitution and governance committee, emphasized the importance of pausing the process to allow proper legal scrutiny rather than reopening debate on the original decision.
Councillor Sue Osborne defended the committee’s previous deliberations, stating that they were conducted professionally and rationally, dismissing claims otherwise. At this time, Somerset Council has not provided a timeline for when the merger proposal will return to the committee for reconsideration.