Devolution

About Devolution

The local devolution programme is Somerset Council’s approach to working with city, town, and parish councils, and in some cases community organisations.

It enables services, land, or buildings to be managed locally where this is appropriate and sustainable, and where it benefits residents.

The programme aims to:

• give communities greater control and influence over local assets and services
• deliver services that better reflect local needs and priorities
• strengthen community ownership, involvement, and local solutions
• create sustainable, resilient services with clear benefits to the community

All proposals must align with Somerset Council’s legal duties and strategic priorities.

Devolution key principles

All devolution proposals must:

• be co-produced
• be sustainable
• provide clear community benefits
• align with Somerset Council priorities

You can read more information in the Devolution Framework document below.

Devolution Framework

PDF, 472kb

Eligibility

You must be one of the following:

• a city, town, or parish council
• a voluntary or community organisation
• a registered charity

Before you apply

We use standard heads of terms for devolution transfers. Exceptions are only made when there is a particular need.

The following are key points in standard heads of terms for freehold transfers:

• A restriction that the asset must continue to be used for its current public purpose
• An asset may include specific conditions or rights for that site only
• Mines and minerals are excluded from the transfer
• The Council has a right to buy back the asset for £1 if its use changes or it is sold
• City, town and parish councils will need to cover their own legal costs
• As this isn’t a commercial deal, full property checks won’t be provided

Please be aware any transfer will be subject to relevant legislation including Subsidy Control Act and the Local Government Act (Section 123).

What happens when we transfer an asset or service

When we transfer an asset or service:

• we transfer it in its current condition
• we use standard terms
• you take full responsibility from the transfer date

Asset devolution process

These steps apply to asset transfers. Service transfers follow a different process after step 2, which will vary depending on the service being considered for devolution.

Step 1 – You submit an expression of interest. We review it and add it to a prioritisation list.

Step 2 – When your request reaches the top of the list, we start discussions to agree scope.

Step 3 – We review the proposal through asset governance groups. We complete initial checks and agree draft terms.

Step 4 – We follow the relevant decision process. We may set up a management agreement at this stage.

Step 5 – The property team completes checks and prepares legal instructions.

Step 6 – Legal teams complete the transfer. Full devolution then takes place

How to apply

Before you apply, gather:

• land registry details, address, or location
• site plans or screenshots

You can view more information about Council assets on our Council buildings and Assets of Community Value pages.

There is currently high demand, so responses will take time. Timescales can vary depending on the complexity of each case.

If you have any queries or require more information please email: devolution@somerset.gov.uk