Residents, businesses, community groups and other interested organisations are being invited to help shape the future of local governance in Huish Episcopi and Langport as part of a Community Governance Review.
Somerset Council has launched a public consultation to gather views on whether the current parish arrangements remain the best fit for local communities or whether changes should be made.
Community Governance Reviews are carried out to ensure local governance arrangements are effective, reflect community identities and support the delivery of local services. They can consider changes such as creating, merging or altering parish boundaries and councils.
What is being proposed?
The Committee is recommending that:
Huish Episcopi Parish and Langport Parish are dissolved
A new parish of Huish Episcopi and Langport is created, covering the existing boundaries of the two parishes
A parish council is created for the new parish, with 11 councillors
The new parish does not have separate parish wards.
Ensuring governance reflects local communities
Councillor Bill Revans, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance & Communications, said: “Community Governance Reviews are about making sure local governance reflects the communities it serves, both now and in the future.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible so we can understand what matters most to residents and ensure any future arrangements reflect local identities, support effective representation and help councils deliver for their communities.”
The Council is encouraging everyone with an interest in the future of Huish Episcopi and Langport to take part, including residents, local businesses, voluntary organisations and community groups.
All responses will be carefully considered before Somerset Council makes its final recommendations.
How to take part
The consultation is open until 16 November.
People can find out more about the proposals and complete the consultation online at Huish Episcopi and Langport Consultation – Somerset Council – Citizen Space . Paper copies are also available on request at Langport Library.
