'Missing Piece of the Jigsaw' Moves Closer as Public Backs North Somerset Joining WECA Wednesday, April 15, 2026 weca northsomerset devolution consultation localgovernment funding collaboration governance mayor investment A recent public consultation shows that the majority of respondents support North Somerset joining the West of England Combined Authority (WECA). Out of 1,273 people who took part in the eight-week survey, 56.7% backed the … Read More
‘Democratic principle’ at risk if North Somerset joins WECA, warns councillor Tuesday, April 14, 2026 democracy northsomerset weca mayor localgovernment governance publicconsultation funding regionalplanning politics A North Somerset councillor has raised concerns about the democratic integrity of the area joining the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), warning that residents may end up governed by a mayor they never elected. North … Read More
'Democratic Principle' at Risk as North Somerset Considers Joining WECA, Warns Councillor Tuesday, April 14, 2026 democracy northsomerset weca mayor localgovernment funding publicconsultation regionalism governance elections A local councillor has raised concerns that the “democratic principle” could be undermined if North Somerset joins the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) under a mayor the area did not elect. North Somerset Council is … Read More
Somerset Council Halts Council Tax Support Changes Amidst Imminent Judicial Review Wednesday, February 18, 2026 somerset counciltax judicialreview disabilityrights legalchallenge publicpolicy socialsupport equality budget governance Somerset Council has announced that no alterations will be made to its council tax support scheme until April 2027, as it prepares to face a judicial review challenge in the High Court. The council had previously revised its … Read More
Castle Cary and Ansford Parish Merger Plans Abandoned by Somerset Council Tuesday, February 17, 2026 castlecary ansford somerset parish merger governance boundary community consultation localdemocracy Plans to merge the neighboring Somerset parishes of Castle Cary and Ansford have been officially shelved due to insufficient public support. Over the past decade, Castle Cary has experienced rapid expansion, with numerous new … Read More
Somerset Councillors Receive First-Class Travel, Cream Teas, and Musical Hospitality Sunday, February 1, 2026 somerset councillors gifts hospitality railtravel culture events politics transparency governance Over the past six months, Somerset councillors have accepted a variety of gifts and hospitality, ranging from first-class rail tickets to cream teas and cultural event tickets. Somerset Council has now published its latest … Read More