SOMERSET is divided over plans to remove the current council set up.

The county council backs the One Somerset plan, which would see the county and four district councils abolished, and a single massive authority take over instead.

The leaders of the district councils have their own proposal, titled Stronger Somerset.

This would still see the current councils removed, but instead of a single new authority there would be two large councils - one for east Somerset and the other for the west.

Here, two independent councillors sitting on SSDC set out how they are voting and why.

By Cllr Dave Bulmer for Stronger Somerset, district councillor for Jocelyn ward and town councillor in Chard

My reasons for voting for the Stronger Somerset Business Case option comes down to three main reasons.

Firstly, I believe that the One Somerset option would make an authority far to big geographically and would also create a core population close to exceeding the parameters set out in central Government’s own guidance.

The Stronger Somerset plan proposed by the district council leaders, with an East / West split, fits appropriately in creating a greater connection with smaller local communities.

The second reason is, quite frankly, because of my own personal knowledge of another unitary council, Cornwall where I have significant local connections.

It is clear to me that there is a massive gulf between that principal authority and the much smaller parish councils.

This has lead to the principal authority being out of touch with the needs of multiple and diverse parish councils who have different needs and different expectations.

Quite simply put, one size doesn’t fit all.

My third reason is that I am not convinced the One Somerset Business Case will address the deeper financial shortfalls that local Government have had to endure over a decade of austerity.

I believe that the One Somerset case will only prove to be a short term solution to this very important matter.

A Stronger Somerset business case does look at a fresh start in addressing the core problems local authorities face in the coming years.

The Stronger Somerset team wants to build a sustainable plan that gives service delivery for the long term.

There is something else that I believe successive central Governments now have failed to address.

Local authorities throughout the United Kingdom are finding it increasingly difficult to finance essential services, such social care of all people who are in need of support.

I believe that the current central Government say they want to address this with a review, but will a review put the finance in the places that it will undoubtedly be needed.

I know from personal experience that there are some hard-working people employed in local Government providing essential services to the community and really want the best for our community.

My concern here is that with any change there is a potential for uncertainty, uncertainty affects confidence, that will be the last thing that we all need during difficult times.

By Cllr Neil Bloomfield for One Somerset, district councillor for Martock and parish council chairman

One Somerset or Stronger Somerset, two visions for our future.

On pure economic grounds, one council would or should save money but we all no prediction and reality can be different.

The other plan for two large councils with some bolt ons. Unfortunately both models can’t be tested.

Much has been said about a referendum or a poll. There’s a difference of opinion here too.

Last Thursday (September 17), South Somerset District Council convened to discuss the two council plan.

It was interesting that the ‘Stronger Somerset’ side, in the shape of the ruling Liberal Democrats, spoke of representing the people and being closer to the people but wouldn’t even think of a referendum as there wasn’t time.

Part of both plans is to give more responsibility to parish/town councils, if they want it.

I am also the chairman of Martock Parish Council, which is pretty unique in its service provision and is actually well placed to take on even more services, in fact I would say a model example of what’s being talked about.

Somerset County and the four district councils have 269 councillors. The one council plan would reduce this significantly, the two council plan less so, but still by about a quarter.

There are also five chief executives and management structures beneath them and the list goes on.

Yes, of course it’s important to have good representation.

But if the public were given the choice of more councillors, but it will increase your council tax, I wonder what the answer would be?

I’m an advocate of more efficient local government and I see a unitary council as a step in the right direction.

To go half way when we no ultimately the two would become one, is surely just wasting money, other people’s money, our money.

All the councils have or are completing transformation programs costing millions, all that will be swept away. Not such a cost saving perhaps?

I am a firm believer that councils should take people with them.

We elect people in the hope they make sensible decisions, but if things go wrong we should put our hands up and admit it and not make excuses.

I supported the One Somerset plan, it’s not perfect but what is.

I believe creating two councils when in reality we know that in time they will be swept away wasting money.

We should have the best services possible and we should have more efficient councils to deliver them.

Change isn’t cheap and I hope the new council will be a shining light for the best service provision.

If it’s a total failure then the only referendum that actually counts awaits you, the ballot box.