Local people have a further chance to give their views on new electoral boundaries for Somerset Council

Local people have a further chance to give their views on new electoral boundaries for Somerset Council

The Local Government Boundary Commission, the independent body responsible for reviewing local electoral boundaries, has reopened its consultation on the draft recommendations for new division boundaries for Somerset Council.

It is inviting residents and local organisations to share their views. The reopened consultation will run from 25 November 2025 to 14 January 2026.

The consultation is being reopened because the Commission initially, and incorrectly, understood Somerset Council’s preference for predominantly single-councillor divisions as a formal request for a uniform pattern of single-member divisions under the legislation guiding its review process. No such formal request had been made by the Council.

This may have led some people to believe that multi-councillor divisions would not be given due consideration, as a formal request for single-member divisions carries greater weight in the Commission’s considerations than a general preference. 

To ensure fairness and transparency, the Commission is reopening the consultation so that all views, including any supporting multi-member divisions, can be taken into account. Any submissions previously made will still be considered and do not need to be re-submitted. 

Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to have their say on the future electoral arrangements for Somerset. Reopening the consultation ensures that all views, including any supporting multi-member divisions, can be properly considered.”

Once all responses have been reviewed, the Commission aims to publish final recommendations in March 2026. Subject to parliamentary approval, the new arrangements will take effect at Somerset Council’s elections in May 2027.

Full details of the proposals are available on the Commission’s website: www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/somerset

People can also give their views by e-mail at reviews@lgbce.org.uk, and by post:

Review Officer (Somerset)

LGBCE

7th Floor 

3 Bunhill Row 

London 

EC1Y 8YZ 

ENDS

Notes to editors: 

This consultation relates to arrangements for local government elections. It is separate from the review of parliamentary constituencies that has recently concluded.

For further information and map of the proposed new divisions, please contact the Commission’s press office on 0330 500 1525 / 1250 or email press@lgbce.org.uk

An interactive map of the proposed divisions is available at: Somerset | LGBCE

Consultation timeline

• Initial consultation – 22 October 2024 to 14 March 2025

• Draft recommendations consultation – 3 June to 11 August 2025

• Consultation reopens - 25 November 2025 to 14 January 2026.

• The Commission aims to publish final recommendations in March 2026. 

• Subject to parliamentary approval, the new arrangements will take effect at Somerset Council’s elections in May 2027.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is an independent body accountable to Parliament. It recommends fair electoral and boundary arrangements for local authorities in England. In doing so, it aims to:

• Make sure that, within an authority, each councillor represents a similar number of electors
• Create boundaries that are appropriate, and reflect community ties and identities
• Deliver reviews informed by local needs, views and circumstances