THE views of the majority of people could be ignored when a final decision is taken on whether to merge Taunton Deane and West Somerset Councils.

Even if most of the responses to a public consultation oppose the move, it could still go ahead - and equally, if a majority support it, the union could be blocked.

Taunton resident Dave Orr has blasted the revelation as "rank hypocrisy".

The two authorities have both voted to merge into one council, although the final say rests with the Secretary of State following the public consultation.

Bruce Lang, the monitoring officer for both councils, which currently share services and management, recently e-mailed Mr Orr: "The purpose of the current consultation is to gather the views of residents and other stakeholders to assist the Secretary of State in making his decision.

"It does not necessarily follow that the majority views should automatically decide public policy; and the popularity or unpopularity should not necessarily displace professional and political judgement about what is the right or best decision in the circumstances.

"The levels of, and reasons for, public support or opposition are very important, but as considerations to be taken into account, not as factors that necessarily determine decisions.

"Consideration of the relevance and cogency of the arguments put forward during public consultations is of paramount importance, not simply the counting of submissions."

Mr Orr said he voted remain in the EU referendum, but accepts the will of the people, 52 per cent of whom voted for Brexit.

He added: "The monitoring officer has recently stated that Taunton Deane Council can ignore the results of their consultation (over the merger with West Somerset Council) if the people are against that merger, simply by using their 'professional and political judgement about what is the right or best decision in the circumstances'.

"That is rank hypocrisy and amounts to gerrymandering."

Deane council leader Cllr John Williams said the views of residents, businesses and partners would assist the Secretary of State in making his decision once a submission of the former merger proposal is made.

He added: "It will be for the Secretary of State to decide what is in the best interests of local people having weighed up all the evidence.

"Early indications show a range of views - we are seeing support but also arguments and concern against the proposal.

"It is this range of views that will be reflected in the Secretary of State's decision making.

"In this way it is clearly respecting the views of all consultees and their comments are, therefore, able to influence the decision-making process.”