Published: May 22, 2007
'Shock and dismay' at County Council's view on public vote

The leader of Sedgemoor District Council has this week reacted with "shock and dismay" to news that the County Council’s new leader, Jill Shortland, considers it "wasteful" to allow local people to express their democratic views on the County Council’s plans to create a new unitary authority.

Cllr Duncan McGinty, Leader of Sedgemoor District Council, said on Tuesday: "Enabling the people of Somerset to vote on their future form of governance is a basic democratic right and I am truly shocked that a democratically elected county councillor should feel otherwise."

The County Council proposes to create a new local authority covering an area the size of Luxemburg. District Councils claim such an authority would be highly bureaucratic and would increase red tape.

The District Council has also been critical of the fact that Jill Shortland dodged an earlier question on whether she would be bound by the referendum result.

"I am perfectly content to put my trust in the people of Somerset," said Cllr Duncan McGinty. "I am willing to state publicly that I will accept the result whether it goes for or against the County Council. Jill Shortland should answer the question… will she too accept the verdict of the people of Somerset?"

Recent surveys conducted so far have shown that these proposals do not have public support. An opinion poll conducted in Somerset by the national YouGov polling organisation in March showed opposition to the County Council’s plans running at more than three to one.