2026 Community Governance Review - Huish Episcopi and Langport Parishes

Overview

Somerset Council is carrying out a Community Governance Review of Huish Episcopi and Langport parishes.

A Community Governance Review looks at local parish arrangements. Its purpose is to make sure these arrangements continue to reflect the identity and interests of local communities and support effective and convenient local governance. 

The first stage of consultation has now taken place. We received 641 responses, which were considered by the Council’s Constitution and Governance Committee when developing its draft recommendations.

What is being proposed?

The Committee is recommending that:

• Huish Episcopi Parish and Langport Parish are dissolved
• A new parish of Huish Episcopi and Langport is created, covering the existing boundaries of the two parishes
• A parish council is created for the new parish, with 11 councillors
• The new parish does not have separate parish wards. 

The proposed boundary of the new parish is shown on the map below.

Why are we consulting again?

No final decision has been made. As required by legislation, the Council is now carrying out a second consultation to receive views on its proposals. This second stage of consultation gives electors, residents, organisations, local businesses and other interested parties an opportunity to comment on the draft recommendations before the Council makes its final decision.

The Council must consider the responses it receives against the statutory criteria. These require community governance arrangements to:

• Reflect the identities and interests of the local community
• Be effective and convenient

When considering the criteria the Council will also take into account factors including:

• The impact of community governance arrangements on community cohesion and
• The size, population and boundaries of parishes

Currently, Huish Episcopi is represented by nine Parish Councillors (eight for Huish Episcopi Ward and one for Wearne and Combe Ward).Note: A ward the smallest administrative area used for electing parish council representatives. Langport is represented by 11 Town Councillors. The current electorates are Huish Episcopi 2,126 (Huish Episcopi Ward 1790 and Wearne and Combe Ward 336) and Langport 799.

Have your say

We would like to know what you think about the draft recommendations.

Please read the supporting information before completing the consultation questionnaire. Your comments will help inform the final recommendations considered by the Constitution and Governance Committee.

The consultation closes on Monday 16 November 2026. 

You can respond online using the link below. Responses can also be submitted:

• by email to cgr@somerset.gov.uk
• by post to CGR, Electoral Services, Somerset Council, County Hall, The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4DY.