THE logic behind the proposed merger between Taunton Deane and West Somerset remains a mystery to many of us. Could it be there is some confusion even among council members?

The consultation document states that it will cost approximately £6.8m upfront to put the transformation programme into place and a further approximate £0.3m to fund the merger.

That is a total of approximately £7.1m, most of which will come from Taunton Deane, who are using funds previously designated for infrastructure, housing etc as well as selling off assets.

This money (approximately £6m) has been provided to the Council by Taunton Deane tax payers, either directly or indirectly.

A question being asked is: “When and how will this money be refunded to TDBC by the proposed new council?” A simple question, to which there seems to be more than one answer.

Conservative councillor Terry Beales writes in his letter last week that it will be repaid in 2.6 years. But will those restricted funds still be for the sole use of Taunton Deane residents, or will they be subsumed into the new council funds covering a wider area and in desperate need of money? Councillor Beales seems confident that it is the former.

However, Councillor John Williams, Leader of the Council, in reply to the question raised at a council meeting, writes: “with the exception of the asset for sale targets, this funding has been found...up front...and will not be paid back.

Therefore, when the savings materialise over the coming financial years, they will be used to fund the services of the new Council immediately.”
Aren’t these two replies somewhat contradictory?

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