Heather Jameson 07 June 2021

Controversial Somerset poll backs district plan

Controversial Somerset poll backs district plan image

A controversial poll on reorganisation in Somerset has come out in favour of a district-based proposal.

The district council-organised referendum was highly criticised by the county and the secretary of state last month after a printing error sent voters to a spoof website instead of the county-based One Somerset proposal.

Local government secretary Robert Jenrick wrote to the district council leaders over what he described as the ‘serious failure’ that ‘risks undermining the reputation and standing of local government’.

Mr Jenrick demanded an apology and an explanation of steps being taken ‘as a matter of urgency’.

Announcing the results of the poll today, the councils - Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton and South Somerset - said 65% voted in favour of the district-based Stronger Somerset proposals, while 34% opted for One Somerset.

Sedgemoor DC leader Cllr Duncan McGinty said: ‘We will now pass this on to the secretary of state. It is unfortunate that some have looked to discredit the poll and to stifle debate but democracy has been heard and the people of Somerset have been heard.

‘I look forward to the secretary of state’s decision and working together for a Stronger Somerset.’

The poll received more than 110,000 votes, a quarter of eligible voters.

In a joint statement, the four council leaders said the ‘crystal clear’ message was the public preferred a two unitary option, rather than the Government’s favoured single unitary.

The statement said: ‘We put our faith in the voters of Somerset to make up their own minds by organising a local poll, independently run and verified, while others took every opportunity to discredit the poll and to stifle debate.’

It added: ‘The Government claims they had thousands of responses to their consultation, but they cannot say for sure how many came from Somerset residents. More than 111,000 residents have now had their say in this poll – that’s a huge number and cannot be ignored.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner