The Somerset West and Taunton (Local Government Changes) Order 2018

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order establishes a new non-metropolitan district, Somerset West and Taunton, in the county of Somerset; establishes Somerset West and Taunton Council as the district council for Somerset West and Taunton and abolishes West Somerset and Taunton Deane districts and their councils (articles 3 to 5).

The Order provides for the establishment of a shadow authority before Somerset West and Taunton Council takes on full responsibility for local government matters on 1st April 2019 with members appointed from the existing district councils; for the creation of a shadow executive and for the creation of a Central Implementation Team to support the executive. The shadow authority and shadow executive are tasked with making all necessary preparations in advance of 1st April 2019 (including preparing and keeping under review an implementation plan and appointment of key officers); the costs of the shadow authority and shadow executive are to be met by the existing district councils (articles 6 to 19).

Part 4 of the Order deals with electoral matters including provision that a whole council election of councillors of Somerset West and Taunton Council is to take place on the ordinary day of election in 2019 and in every fourth year thereafter (article 20).

Part 5 of the Order imposes general transitional duties on the existing district councils, in particular to co-operate with each other and the shadow authority and shadow executive (article 21).

The Schedule sets out the electoral wards of Somerset West and Taunton.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been prepared as this instrument will have no impact on the costs of business and the voluntary sector.