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e-connect 1 February 2024
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
I want to start my message this week with a note of thanks to Professor Barry Gilbertson, who is stepping down from April 30th from his voluntary role as chair of the City of Bath UNESCO World Heritage Site Advisory Board and Enhancement Fund, as he and his wife Von are moving to Surrey to be closer to family and grandchildren.
Many of you will know and have worked with Barry, pictured with me at the Bath World Heritage Centre, who has chaired the Advisory Board - a partnership panel overseeing Bath’s UNESCO inscriptions – so skilfully since 2017. The partnership has flourished under his leadership and he leaves us in a strong position to balance the protection of our world-renowned heritage against the needs of a modern city.
The city owes Barry a great debt of gratitude, we will miss his experience and expertise, harnessed with his energy and enthusiasm.
More information on the Bath World Heritage Site can be found online.
Protecting and enhancing our heritage is not only the right thing to do but it makes sound economic sense. Our city is flourishing, attracting visitors and with new shops and restaurants opening. But we can’t stand still. The cost-of-living crisis is still with us, and we need to make sure to invest in our town and city centres so that they stay vibrant in the future.
Investment for the future is central to our budget proposals. As I’ve reported previously, it’s been a very challenging budget process this year. Our focus has been on protecting front-line services whilst investing in schemes that make a real difference. We also have been able to use income from our fantastic heritage assets such as the Roman Baths to help balance the books.
We are proposing in the budget to invest in delivering a new Fashion Museum which will contribute to the economic prosperity of the region. We’re also proposing a big investment so we can deliver much-needed new council homes. Our detailed budget proposals for 2024 to 2025 will be considered by cabinet on 8 February and Full Council on 20 February.
You can also watch a video of our cabinet talking about the budget proposals.
It is great to get positive feedback about our Park & Ride schemes which have been given an official thumbs up after ranking in the top two services in a national independent survey. Our Park & Ride has been ranked second in the country for satisfaction in the National Highways and Transport Network Satisfaction Survey, the largest survey of local opinion around transport and highways in the UK.
Have a good weekend
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| Today marks the start of LGBT+ History Month. This year's theme is medicine and celebrates the contribution of LGBT+ people to the field of medicine and healthcare, both historically and today #UnderTheScope Find out more about the month here: https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk |
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New round of funding opens for organisations supporting people from Ukraine
Charities, community groups and voluntary groups in Bath and North East Somerset that are supporting displaced people from Ukraine can now make an application for a grant from a new round of funding.
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Private tenants benefit from energy efficiency standards enforcement
The number of people living in properties that are hard to heat has fallen following the success of a project to ensure private rented homes in Bath & North East Somerset meet the legal minimum energy efficiency standard.
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World Heritage Site Advisory Board Chair Professor Barry Gilbertson to “pass on baton” after a decade of service to the city
Professor Barry Gilbertson is to step down from his voluntary role as chair of the City of Bath UNESCO World Heritage Site Advisory Board and Enhancement Fund following his departure from the city due to family relocation.
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Residents’ priorities and smart investment shape council’s budget plans
Bath & North East Somerset Council is setting out its budget plans today (31 January) with proposals for smart investment in new council homes, new SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) provision, extra local transport schemes, and the new Fashion Museum.
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February half-term at the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery
Head to the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery this February half-term for a fun-filled week packed with activities for the whole family.
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Bath Park & Ride one of the best in country, survey finds
Bath’s Park & Ride schemes have been given an official thumbs up after ranking in the top two services in a national independent survey which analysed results from 111 authorities.
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Care review in Bath & North East Somerset to go before councillors
Plans to provide a new residential school for young people with complex needs, following a review of three Bath & North East Somerset Council-run community resource centres, are being set out before councillors.
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Three Liveable Neighbourhood trials set to become permanent
Proposals to make three Liveable Neighbourhood experimental trials in Bath and North East Somerset permanent have been approved.
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Community gathers to mark Holocaust Memorial Day in Bath
A special ceremony for communities in Bath and North East Somerset to remember the anniversary of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust took place in Bath.
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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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| 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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CSE energy advice
Residents wanting to reduce their bills, insulate their homes or add energy efficiency measures can get guidance from trained energy experts on the first Thursday of every month from 11am to 2pm at a pop up in the Podium outside Bath Central Library. |
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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. |
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. |
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 here for everyone living in B&NES. For more information, support resources and to self-refer, visit the website, or call our Access Community Mental Health Team: Freephone 0808 175 1369 or you can email. |
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. |
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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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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| 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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