To: Taunton Deane District Council

Taunton Deane delay decision on merger with West Somerset Council until September 2016

Taunton Deane should wait to make a decision on merger with West Somerset District Council and on other available options until September 2016. A decision should be made on the same day as West Somerset Council to ensure that the joint process which started in March 2016 continues and is shared with West Somerset District Council and any other council that wishes to become involved.
Cllr. Steve Ross, Independent, Taunton Deane District Council

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Why is this important?

Both councils were making decisions on merger using the same process.
A merger decision was to be made by both councils on 26th July 2016.
At the last minute and only after Taunton Deane's meeting to discuss merger was called, West Somerset decided to pause until September 2016.
Despite requests for a similar pause the leader of Taunton Deane has decided to go ahead regardless.
After calling the Taunton Deane meeting the Leader of Taunton Deane has invited Sedgemoor District Council to be involved as well.
Taunton Deane councillors are being asked to vote on a merger without knowing:
1. whether West Somerset are equally committed to merger;
2.why West Somerset are delaying and
3.without knowing if Sedgemoor District Council will be involved.

How it will be delivered

This petition will be sent to Taunton Deane as soon as possible by email to Taunton Deane. If accepted a debate will be held at Taunton Deane's meeting on 26th July 2016. I am independent of any political party.This is a local issue impacting local people and the petition is open to anyone to sign, irrespective of political affiliations or belief. .

Taunton Deane Borough Council, Belvedere Road, Taunton

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Updates

2016-07-25 21:31:32 +0100

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS. At 21.25 our local exercise in democracy opened a door at Taunton Deane tomorrow. Thanks to everyone who has helped yesterday and today. If you are just seeing this petition for the first time, keep signing until tomorrow. I will update here tomorrow evening. Steve Ross

2016-07-25 21:17:00 +0100

Two signatures to go and we've got what we needed in just over a day....fingers crossed

2016-07-25 18:42:01 +0100

25 more people signed in the last two hours. That means just 25 to go. Thanks again. And if you know anyone else who might want to support this please ask them to. Steve Ross

2016-07-25 16:14:40 +0100

150 Signatures so far and 50 to cross the line to be entitled to debate this matter at Taunton Deane Borough Council. Thank you for your time considering this petition. Steve Ross.

2016-07-25 11:45:59 +0100

Notified TDBC that petition is underway and will be delivered tomorrow - they will hear it if it gets 200 signatures - 93 to go, Thanks to people from across the community for supporting the idea of a pause for reflection. Steve Ross

2016-07-25 11:08:39 +0100

100 signatures reached

2016-07-24 21:46:52 +0100

50 signatures reached

2016-07-24 18:58:58 +0100

25 signatures reached

2016-07-24 17:46:09 +0100

10 signatures reached