TAUNTON residents will go to the polls in just over a month to elect their new town council, writes Daniel Mumby.
Under the local government reforms of the mid-1970s, Taunton was left as an unparished area – meaning it had no town or parish council to most closely represent its residents.
As part of the creation of the new unitary Somerset Council (which comes into being officially on April 1), this wrong will be corrected, with a new Taunton Town Council being created.
The first elections to this town council will be held on Thursday, May 4, with those who are elected sitting for the next four years.
Here’s what you need to know:
What does a town council do?
Town (or parish) councils are the most local form of local government, being the first point of call when it comes to representing locals’ views or sorting out problems.
While the bulk of public services will be delivered by the new unitary council, the town council will have some responsibilities – including the maintenance of the town’s green spaces and public toilets, as well as dog poo bins, allotments and the provision of play areas.
The town council will also be consulted over planning applications, giving Taunton residents a further opportunity to express their views on new homes or commercial premises.
What geographical area does this new council cover?
The new town council will be responsible for the whole of the unparished area of Taunton, along with a few additional sections.
Most of the new Orchard Grove development (a.k.a. the Comeytrowe urban extension) is included, as well as the soon-to-begin Staplegrove urban extension.
However, Monkton Heathfield is excluded, as are Bathpool, Bishop’s Hull, Norton Fitzwarren and Trull.
The town council will comprise 20 councillors, distributed in the following way:
Two councillors: Blackbrook & Holway, Comeytrowe, Halcon & Lane, Victoria, Vivary, Wellsprings & Rowbarton
One councillor: Lyngford, Maidenbrook, Manor & Tangier, North Town, Obridge, Pyrland, Staplegrove, Wilton & Sherford
How do I put myself forward as a candidate?
If you want to stand in the election, you need to obtain a nomination from either of Somerset West and Taunton Council’s current offices – Deane House on Belvedere Road in Taunton, or West Somerset House on Killick Way in Williton.
All nominations have to be received by 4pm on Tuesday, April 4.
The full list of candidates will be published on the unitary council’s website by 4pm the following day (April 5).
How do I register to vote?
The quickest way to register to vote is to visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
In order to vote in the town council elections, you must register before 11:59pm on April 17.
Do I need ID to vote in these elections?
Yes – following recent changes in UK law, you will need an acceptable form of photographic ID to vote in the town council elections.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Biometric immigration document
- Identity card with the PASS hologram
- Blue badge
- Older person’s bus pass
If you do not possess any of these forms of ID, you can apply for a free voter authority certificate by visiting www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate by April 25.
If your photo ID has expired, it will still be accepted provided the photograph is still “a good likeness” of you.
You do not need photo ID if you are voting by post.
How do I apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote?
If you are unable to get to your local polling station due to a work commitment, a physical disability or any other reason, you can apply for a postal vote.
You can do this by visiting www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/apply-vote-post. The deadline for applying for a postal vote is 5pm on April 18.
You can also apply for a proxy vote, whereby a designated individual is allowed to vote on your behalf, by visiting www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/apply-vote-proxy. The deadline for applying for a proxy vote is 5pm on April 25.
If you need an emergency proxy vote on election day, you can apply for one any time up to 5pm.
When will we know the results?
The polls will be open on Thursday, May 4 from 7am to 10pm. The results are likely to be announced the following day.
The council’s meetings will be held at Deane House until the following local elections, which are due to be held in May 2027.
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