THE leader of Taunton Deane Council has hit back after revelations that his authority could merge with another council.

Cllr John Williams (Conservative) was angry at a "breach of confidentiality" that led to a report in last week's Gazette that the Deane is considering a full political and economic merger with West Somerset District Council.

He said the councils, which have shared services and officers since 2013, are currently looking at options on future working arrangements, although he stressed nothing has been finalised.

He said: "The two councils are in a partnership – an initiative that has saved us £1.8 million per annum. That’s taxpayers’ money.

“It’s no secret that we are looking to how we can make even more savings, by looking at how we work in future.

"It will bring significant change - and we are currently working out what this will mean for our community, our organisation and our staff whilst still delivering those desirable front line services valued by so many.

“This is what was requested by both authorities at their full council meetings in March this year.

"We are working on a high level business case looking at how working differently could achieve savings for our councils across three sequential options – retaining the partnership, considering a merger, or going our separate ways."

Councillors from both authorities will vote on the proposals, starting with their scrutiny committees next month.

Mr Williams added: "Nothing has been decided – and would not be - outside of that process.

"We are awaiting the final draft of the business case, which we aim to publish on July 4.

“We are an open and transparent authority – our meetings are held in public and we actively encourage people in our community to come along to those meetings.

"The documents will be in the public domain in advance of those meetings, as is normal practice. To reveal the contents before the business case is finalised is a flagrant breach of confidentiality and serves no positive purpose.”

LibDem leader Cllr Simon Coles has said he cannot see the benefit of a full merger for the people of Taunton Deane, who would have to foot part of the bill, while his colleague Jefferson Horsley said he would call for a referendum if a merger was backed by councillors.