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e-connect 05 September 2024 |
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A message from Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader Bath & North East Somerset CouncilAs we head into autumn I’d like to reflect on what has been a really busy summer with so many visitors coming to Bath and North East Somerset to enjoy our wonderful city and countryside. The summer months are a particularly busy time for many council staff who maintain our lovely parks, cleanse our streets and welcome visitors to the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery.
We are also reflecting on the progress the council has made in tackling the climate and nature emergency. An annual Climate and Nature Progress report is going before cabinet which meets on September 12. Tackling the climate and ecological emergencies is one of our core priorities and the report sets out what we have achieved and still need to do. This year we have redoubled our efforts and there is significant activity under way and in the planning stages. While we are pleased with our progress, we recognise that more action is needed if we are to meet our climate change targets.
Reducing our energy consumption is not only good for the climate but it helps our bills. Starting from today anyone who wants advice on how to reduce their bills or insulate their homes can get help from trained energy experts at a monthly pop-up outside Bath Central Library. Staff from the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) will be manning a stall on the first Thursday of every month. They can answer questions and provide information about saving energy in the home, keeping warm in winter and lowering fuel bills. They also provide advice on financial assistance such as Bright Green Homes, which could fund the installation of insulation, glazing, heat pumps or solar panels.
Cabinet will also be discussing new mandatory housing targets set out by the Government which would see a significant uplift in the housing numbers that B&NES needs to plan for going from the current 717 houses per annum to 1,466 per annum. The purpose of this increase is to address historic shortfalls in housing delivery and meeting housing needs. Any additional housing has to be supported by much-needed infrastructure, including sustainable transport, health, education and community facilities. We will be making these points clearly in our response to the Government consultation. You can watch the cabinet meeting on our Youtube channel.
I started this week’s message reflecting on the busy summer our Heritage Services staff have had and this continues as the council gears up for the annual Heritage Open Days programme. Venues across Bath and North East Somerset are taking part in this brilliant nationwide celebration of history and culture, which gives us all a chance to see inside hidden places and try out new experiences, all for free.
Have a good weekend |
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 | Could you offer a long term home to a child that needs one?We are looking for more foster carers. Find more information or enquire today: fostering.bathnes.gov.uk |
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Council’s climate and nature emergency progress outlined in annual reportBath and North East Somerset has seen a 39 per cent reduction in emissions between 2005 and 2023 and a 36 per cent reduction in the council’s own emissions between 2016/17 and 2023/24 according to a new climate and nature emergency progress report. |
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Cabinet to consider increased housing figure targetsNew mandatory housing targets set out by the Government are to be discussed by Bath & North East Somerset councillors when cabinet meets on September 12. |
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Highway works at Lansdown Road junction completeWorks to install a new raised zebra crossing, widen footways and resurface the highway in Lansdown Road, Bath have been completed. |
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Heritage Open Days in Bath & North East SomersetVenues across Bath and North East Somerset will open their doors this month for Heritage Open Days (6-15 September). Now in its 30th year, the nationwide celebration of history and culture is a chance to see inside hidden places and try out new experiences, all for free. |
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New streets strategy proposal to make sure public spaces work for everyoneA new streets strategy to manage outdoor dining, trading and entertainment on Bath and North East Somerset’s highways and public spaces is being proposed by the council. |
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Graffiti artists bring a splash of colour to Bath QuaysThe graffiti project was set up under the guidance of Youth Connect South West, an independent non-profit charity dedicated to supporting young people across Bath and North East Somerset and beyond. Graffiti artist Lee Kirby, known as 3rdEye, helped with the concept and design. |
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New strategy to support carers in B&NESVoices of local carers have led the first-ever co-produced carers strategy for Bath and North East Somerset which aims to provide the best support possible for people who look after others. |
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Plans for new B&NES special school in KeynshamProposals to approve £6.1million funding to open a new special school on the site of a former council adult extra care home in Keynsham have been set out. |
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Webinar for owners and occupiers interested in retrofitting listed buildingsOwners and occupiers of listed buildings are invited to attend a two-hour webinar that will help them to understand how they can save energy while also conserving their property. |
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Cost of living crisis
Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there. There is a dedicated Cost of Living Crisis section on Live Well B&NES, including:
You can also get help from your supplier through the Priority Services Register. This is a free support service that makes sure extra help is available to people in vulnerable situations. Check the website to see if you’re eligible to register. |
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Energy at HomeOur Energy at Home website provides information about the latest funding and support available to help B&NES residents save money on their energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of their home. |
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| For people struggling to afford broadband or phone services, there are social tariffs available. Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) has a webpage with more information about social tariffs including eligibility requirements and how to apply Social tariffs - Connecting Devon and Somerset |
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Employment support and skills |
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Achieve
Achieve in B&NES provides a job and course search service for anybody wishing to enter the workplace or progress their career. There are free and funded courses from local providers.
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We Work For Everyone
Looking for work and have a learning difficulty or learning disability, or you are autistic, we can help. Visit weworkforeveryone.org.
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Future Bright
Future Bright offers FREE career coaching, training and support. Visit the Future Bright website to find out more or call 01225 395555.
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Employment & Skills Pod
The Employment & Skills Pod provides information, advice and guidance for residents who are unemployed, 18+ and would like support around employment. You can find out more on the achieve website.
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Health, wellbeing and support |
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Live Well B&NES
Live Well B&NES is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to Bath & North East Somerset residents.
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Community Wellbeing Hub
The Community Wellbeing Hub opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or text 07870 868368 or visit the website.
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Bath Mind
Bath Mind is an independent mental health charity whose services operate across Bath and North East Somerset. Explore Bath Mind’s services by visiting their website. Alternatively, call Freephone 0808 175 1369 any day of the week between 9am and 11pm for mental health support.
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Age UK
Age UK Bath & North East Somerset run specialised Dementia Groups in the district. These groups are a safe, fun environment for people to come for activities and friendship. Find out more here or call 01225 466135. You can also find out about digital support for people aged 55 and over. Email digital@ageukbanes.co.uk or visit bit.ly/AgeUKBANESDigital
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Sight loss support
Sight Support West of England provides emotional and practical support to help people adjust to living with sight loss. To find out more, or make an appointment please call 0117 3224885 or email. For more information on the full range of services, visit the website. For more useful information visit the RNIB website.
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Domestic abuse
Southside provides help to people who live in Bath & North East Somerset who are at risk of domestic violence and abuse. The working hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Thursday, and 9am-4pm Fridays. Local support services can be found here.
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Bath Community Transport
Bath Community Transport provides accessible transport to community, church and support groups, social clubs, care homes and sport foundations.
Call 01225 832317 for further details or visit https://travelwest.info/community-transport/bath-community-transport.
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| To keep up to date with the latest public health news stories across Bath and North East Somerset, including upcoming events, consultations and other information, subscribe to the public health monthly newsletter. You can also browse previous editions of the public health newsletter. |
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Do you look after someone else?
If you support someone who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction or who needs extra help as they grow older, support is available from Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre. Freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email 9am-1pm, every weekday.
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Childhood infections can be serious, even life-changing. Is your child protected? Check their Red Book or contact your GP practice if you’re unsure.
nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations |
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