Which Council Does What?

There are two local government councils that serve residents in Weston-super-Mare, including Worle and Uphill: Weston Town Council and North Somerset Council, which is the area’s unitary authority.

A simple way to understand the difference between the two is that North Somerset Council provides many of the essential day-to-day statutory services residents rely on, while Weston Town Council focuses on enhancing the quality of life within the community through local projects, events, facilities, and initiatives that residents value and enjoy.

Town Councils operate at a level below district or unitary councils and work closely with local communities to deliver services and activities that reflect local priorities and aspirations.

North Somerset Council

North Somerset Council provides a full range of local government services including:

  • Council tax billing
  • Libraries
  • Social services
  • Housing
  • Processing planning applications
  • Leisure centres and sport
  • Highways including parking
  • Education
  • Waste collection and disposal

North Somerset Council has 50 councillors being elected at each election. Some of these councillors are dual-hatted and are on both North Somerset and Town Council councils.

Weston Town Council

Weston Town Council provides services including:

  • Weston Museum
  • Old Town Quarry
  • Fridge of Free Stuff
  • Visitor Information Centre
  • Water Adventure Play Park
  • Milton Road Cemetery
  • Select noticeboards, public toilets, play areas, bus shelters and public/dog waste bins

Weston-super-Mare Town Council has 31 councillors elected every 4 years who take no allowances, as well as a small number of employed staff to implement their decisions.

The Town Council is entirely independent from North Somerset Council and raises its own budget to provide the services, facilities, and community initiatives that matter most to the people of Weston-super-Mare.

The Town Council also acts as a consultee and strong advocate on behalf of local residents, working closely with North Somerset Council on a range of projects and services where collaboration is beneficial. Representing and promoting the needs, priorities, and aspirations of the local community is at the heart of everything we do.