THE row over a possible merger between Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset Council erupted into a war of words this week.

Both councils are currently in the process of discussing three options for the future: to opt for further integration but remain as separate councils, to merge and form one council for the entire area, or to split completely and work as two separate councils.

However, this week the Taunton Deane Liberal Democrat group has been out campaigning against a possible merger, arguing that Taunton Deane taxpayers will end up paying to prop up West Somerset Council.

In a letter to the County Gazette, signed by 14 opposition councillors, they outlined their concerns, saying it is not right that Taunton Deane taxpayers have not been adequately consulted on the matter, and they will seek a referendum if the two councils opt to merge.

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The letter from the councillors also highlights issues regarding Taunton’s mayoralty, concern that Taunton Deane will be subsidising West Somerset and the pace of the decision. 

The letter reads: “This is far more than ‘business’. It is about people, jobs and most of all the fundamental democratic rights of voters to choose how to spend and raise their taxes for the local community.

“We understand the leader of WSDC saying that it is “‘disadvantaged’” because of the Hinkley B business rate review depriving them of £300,000 but he cannot then go on to argue that there is no cross subsidy from TDBC taxpayers when the business case clearly sets out that TDBC’s contribution to the merger will be £5.7m and WSDC’s only £1.1m” 

The Liberal Democrats said it would be deeply unfair to expect an adjacent council to pick up the pieces and use its reserves and borrowing powers to make the necessary savings.

The letter also questions the “‘indecent haste’” to rush through the decision without wider consultation.

Conservative leader of TDBC John Williams has responded, saying the letter showed a “‘fundamental lack of understanding” of the issue.

“I respond to a letter written by Taunton Deane Liberal Democrat members which shows a fundamental lack of understanding of the three business cases prepared to give members different options to consider and as agreed by full council in March,” Cllr Williams said.

“That is the key; it is down to members to debate and decide which business case they wish to accept based on the benefits and savings it provides for our communities. After all, if we are not viable we cannot continue delivering services to the communities we represent.

“There is reference to ‘indecent haste’ which is difficult to understand other than it being typical LibDem ‘fence sitting’,” Cllr Williams added.

He argues that the process was started in 2013 and further transformation was always planned.

“Over the years it has been discussed and the business cases as now presented were agreed by Full Council as recently as March,” Cllr Williams said.

“Did the Lib Dems not notice this? Since then it has been presented to members on a number of occasions, had the Lib Dems taken a constructive part, they would realise it has not been rushed but prepared with a great deal of research and effort. Are they honestly proposing the council and our community should forego savings up to £3.1 million per annum?”

West Somerset Council has opted to delay its decision from Tuesday, July 26 until Wednesday, September 7 so that leader Anthony Trollope-Bellew can hold a private and informal meeting about the options.

However if on September 7 WSC decides to take a different route to TDBC, Cllr Williams will tell his members that the two authorities should go their separate ways and follow their own agendas.

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