Voters in Somerset will probably be choosing fewer councillors at the next election for seats in County Hall, writes Phil Hill.
The Local Government Boundary Commission (LGBC) is recommending there should be a total of 96 councillors sitting on Somerset Council following the poll in May 2027.
The proposals, published today (Tuesday, March 3), represent a drop of 14 members from the current total of 110.
The boundaries of all divisions are being changed.
The LGBC has proposed the changes to the current division boundaries, which in all likelihood will be approved by Parliament.
They will result in each councillor representing an average of 4,867 residents.
Currently, Somerset Council is split into 55 divisions, each with two councillors.
Under the new setup, 90 councillors will represent single divisions, with two councillors to be chosen in three patches, namely Minehead, Wells, and Chard and Axbridge.
The changes followed feedback from a total of 379 people and organisation.
Commission chairman Bev Smith said the alterations will ensure councillors represent the same number of electors and will help the council work effectively.
She added: "We are very grateful to people in Somerset.
"We considered all the comments they gave us on our recommendations for a new electoral map for the area and this has helped us to make changes.
"We believe the new arrangements will deliver electoral fairness while reflecting the needs and identities of local communities."
The commission had warned it would conduct a full electoral review ahead of the 2027 election when Somerset County Council and the four district councils were abolished and a single-tier unitary authority covering was created in 2021.
*Check out what the changes mean for you at https://www.lgbce.org.uk/sites/default/files/2026-03/somerset_final_recommendations_full_report.pdf
Cllr Mike Rigby, who represents the Lydeard division on Somerset Council, said: "The LGBC that conducts these reviews is never going to please everyone.
"In the circumstances they seem to have come up with some reasonable proposals here.
"It will mean lots of changes for electors and the other communities they are now with.
"It’s worth having a look on the website to see what it means for you.”
The LGBC is not recommending any changes to the number of councillors on the existing town and parish council in Somerset.
