Somerset Council is set to shrink — and your local ward could soon look very different.

Under final recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission (LGBC), the number of councillors will drop from 110 to 96 ahead of the May 2027 elections.

The move follows a county-wide review designed to ensure each councillor represents roughly the same number of voters and that ward boundaries reflect how communities function today.

If approved by Parliament — which is typically a formality following final recommendations — Somerset will move to 90 single-councillor divisions and three two-councillor divisions in time for the 2027 vote.

Why this matters to you

This isn't just a map change.

With 14 fewer councillors, each representative will cover a larger population. That could mean heavier workloads for councillors and, in some areas, communities sharing a representative for the first time.

In practical terms, your ward name may change. The councillor you vote for in 2027 may not represent the same boundaries as today.

The review does not affect town or parish councils — only Somerset Council — but it does reshape who speaks for your area at County Hall.

advertisement

The LGBC says the aim is "electoral fairness", meaning each councillor represents roughly the same number of electors so votes carry equal weight across the county.

What's changing locally?

Shepton Mallet

Shepton will be divided into two single-councillor wards: Shepton Mallet East and Shepton Mallet West & Pilton. Because the town was deemed slightly too small to justify two councillors on its own, the west of Shepton will now be formally linked with Pilton.

A new Rodney, Westbury & Wookey division will also be created, affecting parts of the wider Wells area.

Wells

Wells itself retains representation, but surrounding rural areas will be reorganised under Rodney, Westbury & Wookey. The intention is to draw a clearer distinction between urban Wells and neighbouring villages.

Glastonbury

Glastonbury will be split into two single-councillor wards: Glastonbury North & West Pennard and Glastonbury South & Meare.

Villages including Meare, Sharpham and West Pennard will be grouped into those north and south divisions, linking rural communities more directly with parts of the town.

Street

Street will be divided into Street North and Street South, effectively creating two single-councillor wards covering the upper and lower parts of the town.

What about the rest of Somerset?

Elsewhere, Frome will be split into five divisions separating urban and rural areas. Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge will be reorganised into multiple wards. Bridgwater will see boundary adjustments reflecting housing growth and expanding communities.

A total of 379 people and organisations responded during consultation, which ran from 2024 until January this year.

LGBC chair Bev Smith said the new map "will deliver electoral fairness while reflecting the needs and identities of local communities."

Cllr Leigh Redman (Lab, Bridgwater North & Central) said he was "generally supportive" of the proposals, though he argued they did not fully reflect Bridgwater's continued growth.

When will it happen?

The recommendations must now be approved by Parliament. Once approved, Somerset Council officers will implement the new arrangements in time for the May 2027 elections.

That means the next time residents go to the polls for Somerset Council, they will do so under a new electoral map — with fewer councillors and newly drawn ward boundaries.

More local stories

• Somerset roads to get £5m upgrade boost
• Shepton Mallet firefighters hone crash rescue skills
• Glastonbury hospital loses half its inpatient beds

Sign up to your nearest Nub News newsletter | Wells | Shepton Mallet | Glastonbury — Get the top stories from across the area every Friday.