City, Town & Parish Preparedness Survey

Feedback updated 4 Jun 2026

We asked

We asked councils to share local risks and how ready they feel, so we can target support and build stronger community resilience.

You said

A total of 35 online responses were received, with more again received in other ways.

You said access issues, power cuts and flooding are key risks, while many areas need stronger plans, training, equipment and links.

We did

We are using your feedback to guide shape future work to build resilience and preparedness.

For example:

  • We have, where requested, fed back via LCNs to provide an overview of the results.
  • We decided to relaunch the Somerset Emergency Community Contacts scheme to help support communication between parishes and the Council in time of emergency.
  • We have been able to tailor workshops and training to better suit the needs of those parishes attending.
  • The data is helping to shape conversations and collaboration between Somerset Council and the various voluntary organisations that assist during an emergency response.
  • Where requested during the completion of the survey, contact has been made with parishes asking for help and, where appropriate, site visits have been made.

Closed 31 Dec 2025

Opened 4 Jul 2025

Contact

somersetprepared@somerset.gov.uk

Overview

Somerset Council in association with Somerset Prepared are inviting all City, Town and Parish Councils or Parish Meetings to take part in a short and straightforward survey designed to support our collective preparedness for emergencies.

The survey is structured in two parts:

You will first be asked to use a simple scoring system to determine the significance of hazards that the City/Town/Parish faces as well as indicate when this last occurred (if known).  
In the second section of the form, you’re asked to use the same scoring system to comment on how prepared you feel as a City/Town/Parish in the light of these risks in terms of planning, people and resources available for response and communications. 

The purpose of this survey is to:

  • Support Somerset Council in fulfilling its statutory duty under the Civil Contingencies Act (2004) by assessing emergency risks across the county.
  • Inform the development of targeted support and activities that strengthen community resilience where it is most needed.
  • Establish a baseline of information to help track progress over time and ensure we are collectively moving towards greater resilience.
  • Provide an opportunity for councils to request support in any of the areas covered by the survey.

This is the first time such a survey has been undertaken, and we are keen to receive a full set of responses to ensure the data is as comprehensive and useful as possible.

Deadline for responses: Thursday 19 September 2025

 Findings will be shared at the Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Day, taking place on Tuesday 15 October 2025 at Taunton Racecourse. All City, Town and Parish Councillors and Officers, as well as Somerset residents, are warmly invited to attend. For more details and to book, please visit: Community Resilience Events 2025 – Somerset Prepared.

We understand the many demands placed on Clerks and Councillors, and we are very grateful for your time and support in completing this survey.


If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact: paul.elliston@somerset.gov.uk