Introduction
The Liberal Democrats have a proud record of commitment to well-run local government and have taken the lead in providing high quality local services in Taunton Deane and across Somerset. The party is also committed to providing value for money and puts a strong emphasis on democracy and participation. The Liberal Democrats are the leading party on Taunton Deane Borough Council and are the majority party on Somerset County Council.
Taunton Deane Borough Council
Taunton Deane Borough Council is responsible for housing, planning, litter collection, recycling, town centre management, leisure services, parks and other areas of local concern. The headquarters are in Deane House in Taunton. The Liberal Democrats have 26 councillors on Taunton Deane Borough Council covering Taunton, Wellington and rural communities. The Leader of the Liberal Democrat group is Ross Henley (pictured right), who lives in Wellington, and the Deputy Leader is Alan Wedderkopp, who lives in Taunton.
The next elections to Taunton Deane Borough Council will be held in May 2011.
West Somerset District Council
The Exmoor part of Taunton constituency falls within the boundaries of West Somerset District Council, although most of the area covered by the council falls within Bridgwater parliamentary constituency. Exmoor has traditionally had mainly independent councillors. The headquarters of West Somerset District Council are in Williton and Minehead.