The plan was originally unveiled at a council meeting in November

County councillors voted by 28 votes to 21 to recommend creating one local authority and disbanding the districts.

But South Somerset District Council (SSDC) voted against that plan, saying it wanted to only merge with Mendip District Council to create a UA.

Other district councils in the county have also voted against a proposal to merge to form one council.

Job losses

Tim Carroll, leader of SSDC district council, said he was confident of gaining approval from the government.

The county council has admitted a total of 65 workers could be made redundant if merger plans go ahead.

However, this figure was based on a theoretical assessment and not a comprehensive examination of service requirements.

Last November, a council meeting in Taunton passed the original motion instructing officers to work on a bid to create a unitary council for the county.