Team Somerset

Keeping it local and making savings

We believe that the future for Somerset is a team approach.

Alongside the other District Councils, we have formally submitted a Team Somerset proposal, which provides an alternative to the County Council's unitary bid. Team Somerset calls for enhanced partnership working and by doing so we can make significant efficiency savings without the disruption and waste of money that will occur in the setting up of a unitary authority. We are dedicated to working for the community and we are concerned that a loss of local representation will lead to Taunton Deane loosing out to other areas. We therefore strongly support 'Team Somerset' as the right choice for Somerset. The proposal was formally submitted to Department for Communities and Local Government for consideration on Thursday, 25th January 2007.

Outline Business Case (395 KB)
Outline Business Case - Appendix A (202KB)
Outline Business Case - Appendix B (470 KB)
Outline Business Case - Appendices C to F (495KB)

Team Somerset prospectus (574 KB)

Taunton Deane is rated an 'Excellent' authority by the Audit Commission and we have been recognised for providing value for money services (24th out of 238 District Councils). We are at the service of Taunton Deane residents and our responsibilities are far reaching. The following is just a flavour of what we do and want to continue to do!

The Team Somerset outline business case provides a realistic alternative to the County Council's plans for a single Somerset Authority. Alongside the pledge to achieve annual efficiency savings the Team Somerset business case will provide other key benefits.

Housing projects

• A handyman service - Hugely popular and in demand helping the elderly and vulnerable;
• Committed to providing affordable homes for local people - A development at Tuckers Meadow, Wiveliscombe, comprising of 16, 2-bedroom bungalows for the elderly, one of which is specifically designed for a disabled tenant, was completed at the end of the summer. The majority of the homes were allocated to Wiveliscombe residents. Taunton Deane Borough Council contributed £658,739 towards the scheme;
• Work has started of a multi-million pound affordable housing development at the BT Building in The Crescent, Taunton. The scheme entails the refurbishment of the BT Building to create 75 high-quality affordable homes. TDBC, Strongvox, Sanctuary Housing and the Housing Corporation. Together the partners have committed £9,968,000 in funding;
• The British Gas Scheme - Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC) chose to invest money by topping up the British Gas grant of £50 per dwelling to £100 per dwelling, which is discounted from the household Council Tax. Saving The Community Around £130,000 Every Year In Fuel Bills & Reducing Carbon Emissions by 500 Tonnes.

Economic Development projects

• Supporting the local economy - New business units in Wellington are now open for business meeting the strong demand for affordable, small business units across Taunton Deane. Nearly half a million pounds, £469,357 was invested;
• Investing in Project Taunton - A shortlist of four or five developers will be decided and each will be asked to put forward detailed proposals for the site. It is anticipated that the chosen developer will be announced in the summer;
• Working on Wellington Food Town - Officers are spending a great deal of time planning the way forward and we are currently applying for funding to help make it happen.

Leisure projects

• Investing in Victoria Park in order that the Park will offer state of the art recreational facilities for both young and older children in the area to enjoy;
• One of Country's best tennis centres at Blackbrook. TDBC invested contributed £90,000 along with partners for the construction of two new framed fabric indoor courts;
• Best Parks - Green Flags are flying in three of Taunton Deane's parks. The Green Flag is a sign of a well-managed park and they fly in the best parks around the Country.

What do you think?

We want to hear from the people of Taunton Deane. What are your thoughts on the unitary bid by Somerset County Council?

You can submit your comments by emailing: publicrelations@tauntondeane.gov.uk
or by writing to the following address:

Public Relations
Taunton Deane Council
The Deane House
Belvedere Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 1HE