Wellington Town Council signs 'devolution deal'

Wellington Town Council will manage Wellington Park, as part of a so-called 'devolution deal'

Wellington Town Council is the latest lower tier authority to take on more services to help cash-strapped Somerset Council balance its books.

From April next year, it will be responsible for most of the town's green spaces, public toilets and bus shelters.

It is to help Somerset Council reduce a projected budget overspend of £100m.

Jonathan Stevens from Wellington Town Council said additional staff have been employed and trained in readiness for taking on extra responsibilities.

Dobree Park playground is one of the play spaces the town council has taken on to save Somerset Council money

Somerset Council reached out to town and parish councils across the county after declaring a financial emergency in November 2023.

So-called 'devolution deals' have already been signed with Bridgwater and Yeovil - and for most town and parish councils, it has contributed to raising their portion of council tax to pay for the new services being taken on.

As part of the agreement, Wellington Town Council will now manage around 25 green parks and play spaces.

The work includes cutting the grass, maintenance, bedding plants and collecting litter.

The agreement will also see the transfer of the community centre on White Hart lane, the public toilets on North Street, Wellington Park and Rockwell Green Cemetery.

Wellington Basins, including the BMX track, skatepark and pétanque court, will be managed by Wellington Town Council

Somerset Council estimates that it will save around £114,000 a year by devolving these services – along with a further £117,000 that it would have needed to spend on replacing play equipment over the next six years.

Jonathan Stevens, who is head of operational services at Somerset Council said the local authority "had employed additional, qualified staff in readiness for taking on extra responsibilities.

“Our officers have worked collaboratively with the town council to ensure that devolution of services will be a seamless process, with no detrimental impact to residents of Wellington."

The new deal with Somerset Council will take effect in the spring of next year.