TAUNTON is the only major settlement in Somerset – and one of a small number across England – that does not have a town or parish council to represent its residents.

This means residents don’t get as much of a say over how their council tax is spent and how decisions are made at a local level.

When planning applications come forward, town and parish councils can recommend changes or conditions before the district council – Somerset West and Taunton Council – makes the final decision.

But without a town council, Taunton residents have to rely on their district councillors to make decisions like this without that level of local input.

Town and parish councils have also had to take on more responsibilities as a result of cuts higher up in local government.

If Taunton were to get a town council, it could take on roles like grass cutting and other local maintenance, funded through its share of council tax.

In order to get a town council for Taunton, a “community governance review” will have to be carried out by the government.

The former Taunton Deane Borough Council voted in March 2018 to start such a review “at the earliest opportunity” – but more than a year on we are no closer to such a review being started.

A council spokesperson said: “A report outlining the options for a community governance review will be considered at the next full meeting of the Taunton trustees.

“This will include details of the key stages in the process, which is expected to take 18 months to two years to complete.

“Irrespective of how long the process takes, the arrangements would not come into effect until the next round of District, Town and Parish elections in May 2023.”

The Taunton charter trustees will next meet in Taunton on October 2.