February 2023

With one month to go until the launch for the new unitary Somerset Council, councillors have published the priorities for the new Council. The new Council Plan was approved unanimously at a meeting of the outgoing Somerset County Council, whose councillors will form the new Somerset Council.

Mendip District Council are installing seven 'Talking Benches' to encourage people to sit, share and connect with each other.

Mendip District Council supports residents to turn their empty properties into homes.

Mendip District Council held an Extraordinary Full Council to allow a formal briefing on the recent High Court Judgment, in respect of its Local Plan Part II (LPP2).

Mendip District Council showed their solidarity with Ukraine by flying their national flag at the council offices in Shepton Mallet.

The new Constitution for Somerset Council, the legal cornerstone of the new unitary council, has been approved by Somerset County Council. The ten-part document - over 500 pages - sets out the Council's commitment to public participation in its meetings, makes sure that the council meets all its legal duties and supports decision-making and governance.

The budget for the new Somerset Council was approved today (22 Feb 2023).

Ukrainian families and their hosts in Somerset will join people across the UK to observe the anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine at 11am on Friday, 24 February.

It is challenging times at present for small and medium Somerset businesses. In response, the five Somerset councils (Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset County Council, Somerset West and Taunton and South Somerset) have devised a programme of support to help businesses develop the skills they need to thrive, whatever the economic environment.

Mendip District Council have teamed up with Avon and Somerset Police to target illegal waste carriers in several stop and search exercises across the district.

Glastonbury Multi Agency Group (MAG) has acted to remove 43 vehicles parked illegally on Beckery Old Road, after court orders were granted last month.

Somerset is being urged to put its heart into avoiding waste and boosting recycling this Valentine's Day.

Neighbours and community groups looking to hold street parties in May to celebrate the King's Coronation should check whether they may need a temporary road closure.

Somerset residents are being invited to have their say on the new Somerset Council's approach to planning matters.