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

PART 2 Establishment of single district council in Somerset West and Taunton

Establishment of Somerset West and Taunton district

3.—(1) On 1st April 2019 there is constituted a new non-metropolitan district in the county of Somerset, whose area is co-terminous with that of the District Councils.

(2) The name of that new district is Somerset West and Taunton.

Establishment of Somerset West and Taunton Council

4.—(1) A new non-metropolitan district council, to be known as Somerset West and Taunton Council, is constituted as the non-metropolitan district council for Somerset West and Taunton.

(2) Except for the purposes of Part 4 of this Order (electoral matters) until 1st April 2019—

(a) Somerset West and Taunton Council is not a local authority for the purposes of the 1972 Act or for any other enactment relating to local government;

(b) subsection (2) of section 2 of the 1972 Act (constitution of principal councils in England) has effect in relation to that council as if the words from “and the council” to the end of that subsection were omitted.

Abolition of West Somerset and Taunton Deane districts and the District Councils

5.—(1) On 1st April 2019—

(a) the West Somerset and Taunton Deane districts are abolished as local government areas;

(b) the District Councils are wound up and dissolved.

(2) The term of office of persons serving as councillors of the District Councils immediately before 1st April 2019 ends on that date.

(3) Nothing in section 89 of the 1972 Act (filling of casual vacancies in case of councillors) authorises the holding of an election to fill a casual vacancy in the office of councillor of the District Councils where that vacancy arises after 30th September 2018 and before 1st April 2019.