Coronavirus update 1 June 2022
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
As I write the long bank holiday weekend to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is very much in our minds. I am personally looking forward to a very memorable four days.
The special bunting we commissioned together with Bath BID is now fluttering in the breeze across Bath and looks great. We’re also lighting up Bath Abbey, the Guildhall, the Roman Baths and Pulteney Bridge in purple from 9.30pm on Thursday evening to mark the national lighting of the beacons.
I’m sure many of you will be taking part in the community events being held across Bath and North East Somerset to mark this historic occasion. Dozens of street parties are planned and the council is hosting the Big Jubilee Picnic on the Lower Lawn of the Royal Crescent on Sunday. Do join us if you can. You can find out more about jubilee events on our newsroom.
This week both the council’s cabinet and the Governing Body of Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BSW CCG) agreed not to extend a contract for health and social care services operated by HCRG Care Group.
The decision followed an independent review which highlighted uncertainties arising from the change in ownership of Virgin Care, including ongoing contractual and financial risks. The contract will now end on 31 March 2024.
However, I want to reassure residents that our priority is to ensure the delivery of high-quality health and social care services that meet the needs of our local communities and over the coming months we’ll be working hard to redesign services to ensure people get the support and care that’s right for them. I would like to thank HCRG Care Group’s staff and leadership team who provide and run these key services for the patience and dedication they continue to show.
I put forward a plan last week that would have saved all 26 bus routes that are at risk of being cut by First Bus, but I was disappointed that we were unable to reach an agreement about the future funding of a number of bus routes across the West of England area with WECA at our emergency meeting. These services are vital for people to access work, health and leisure facilities, particularly those in our more rural communities. The meeting was adjourned until Tuesday 14 June, and I will keep you updated on my progress to save these vital routes.
As we head into June, we’re making final preparations for the opening of our state-of-the-art Roman Baths Clore Learning Centre. This exciting new resource will open its doors on 16 June and will offer inspirational teaching sessions about the Roman Baths and life in Roman Britain to pre-booked school and community groups. The project has taken many years to plan and develop and I’d like to thank everyone involved.
Finally, we have announced that the last day for the current location of the Fashion Museum is to be Monday 30 October. A great deal of work is currently under way on plans for a new location within Bath’s Milsom Quarter for this world-class collection, and we’ll update on these as they progress.
Enjoy your bank holiday.
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Guidance
Covid-19 is still with us, so it's important we all consider how we can continue stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Free testing for Covid-19 has now ended for most people. You may still be able to get free rapid lateral flow tests if you work for the NHS or in social care, if you are going into hospital, or you’re at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19. If you symptoms of a respiratory infection including Covid-19, here is what you should do. |
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Boosters and vaccinations
Find out which vaccinations are available for each age group by visiting the BSW CCG and clicking on 'Am I eligible for a booster vaccine?'. If you are 75+, or 12+ with a weakened immune system, DO NOT wait for a NHS letter. Go ahead and book your spring booster, if there's been 182 days (6 months) since their last one. Covid-19 vaccinations can also be booked for children aged 5-11 through the National Booking System. |
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Upcoming clinics
There's still time to grab your first, second or booster doses this month:
- Thursday 2 June, Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park, Bath (11am-5:30pm)
- Tuesday 7 June, Bath City FC, Twerton Park (11am-6pm)
- Thursday 9 June, Bath Citadel Salvation Army, Green Park, Bath (11am-5:30pm)
- Saturday 18 June, Keynsham Scout Hut, Ashton Way (10am-5pm)
- Thursday 21 June, Bath City FC, Twerton Park (11am-6pm)
- Friday 24 June, Fairfield Park Health Centre, Tyning Lane, Camden Road, Bath (10am-5pm)
You can get:
- First and second doses for 12-years-old in Year 8 and above
- Boosters for people aged 16+, plus at-risk children aged 12+
- Spring boosters for people 75+, plus people aged 12+ with weakened immune system
- Additional primary doses for people with severely weakened immune system 12+
Those aged 12 in year 7 and below, can book their vaccination appointment online or find a walk-in clinic on the NHS website. You need to be registered with a GP (or call 119) to book online. You do not need to book or be registered with a GP to use a walk-in clinic.
If you plan to attend a walk-in, please check the 'grab a jab' website to make sure the site is open on the day.
If you’ve had a positive Covid-19 test, before getting any dose of the vaccine you need to wait: 4 weeks (28 days) if you're aged 18+ or an at risk 12-17 year old; or 12 weeks (84 days) if you're aged 12-17. This starts from the date you had symptoms, or the date of the positive test if you didn't have any symptoms. If you or your child have had symptoms of Covid-19, but haven't had a test, you should wait until your symptoms are better to get a Covid-19 vaccine. Talk to a healthcare professional at the site.
Don't forget, you can still 'grab a cab' to your planned vaccination appointment. The vaccination must be pre-booked and evidence of the appointment must be shown to the taxi driver. Evidence can include a screen shot on a mobile phone or a tablet, or print out.
If you need a translator, have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service.
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1 June Council Tax and Business Rates direct debits taken early
Due to a processing error some Council Tax and Business Rates direct debit payments have been taken a day early. Payments due on Wednesday 1 June have been taken from accounts on Tuesday 31 May.
If you have incurred bank charges because of this error, we will refund them in full. We sincerely apologise for the error and any inconvenience caused as a result.
You can find more information by visiting the Council Tax or Business Rates pages on our website. |
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Investment for four of Bath’s local high streets
Four high streets in Bath will benefit from a raft of improvements to attract footfall and breathe new life into the areas thanks to a £488,000 funding package. |
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Cleveland Bridge resurfacing works
Works are progressing on Bath’s Cleveland Bridge with resurfacing due to take place overnight from June 12 to June 20. |
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Call to community groups to apply for CIL funding
Local organisations have still got time to submit an application for the next round of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding for the Bath City area. |
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Next phase of works on Keynsham Recycling Hub
Roadworks and traffic diversions in Keynsham as the next phase of work gets under way on the construction of a state-of-the art waste and recycling centre. |
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Changes to bus lane enforcement
Motorists across Bath and North East Somerset are being advised that the penalty charge for driving in bus lanes or through bus gates is increasing from £60 to £70. |
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Have your say on new sports facilities at Odd Down
A new gym, a fitness studio doubling as community space, a climbing facility and Padel tennis courts are among the proposed improvements for Odd Down Sports Ground revealed in a public consultation. |
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Memories of past Royal Jubilee celebrations
Bath Record Office is appealing to the public to help record Royal Jubilee celebrations in Bath and North East Somerset from 1887 to the present day. |
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Essential verge grass cutting underway
More than 1,015km of highway verge will be cut back over the next 6-7 weeks across Bath & North East Somerset. |
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Churchill gyratory open for bank holiday weekend
We are co-ordinating with Network Rail to carry out planned roadworks and maintenance to Churchill gyratory in Bath’s city centre, also known as Churchill roundabout. |
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Update on energy rebate payments
The majority of the 43,000 eligible residents who pay their council tax by direct debit have now received the Government’s £150 energy rebate, with the remainder set to be paid over the next two weeks. |
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Update on free school meal vouchers
Families in Bath and North East Somerset who are eligible for free school meals will be provided with supermarket vouchers to cover the upcoming school holidays. |
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Village hall receives CIL funding for improvements
Freshford Village Memorial Hall has been granted £50,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding by Bath and North East Somerset Council to improve its energy efficiency and ensure the long-term viability of the building. |
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Safe Space Centre to receive community funding
A project that will support the wellbeing and recovery of victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and trauma has been chosen to receive funding from Bath and North East Somerset Council. |
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LGA “Be a Councillor” webinar Tuesday 7th June
This session, organised by the LGA and chaired by Shout Out UK, is an interactive way to learn more about local government and hear from councillor speakers.
The event is for anyone interested in being active in the local community and finding out more about what councils and councillors do. The webinar is free to attend, and people can book a place here via the LGA website
You don’t have to be considering standing for election to attend. The LGA wants people to feel more confident in understanding what local government does, in addition to considering standing for election or recommending standing to others. |
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Council meeting calendar
Do you want to know about decisions being taken by the council and have your say? Please follow this link to the council’s calendar of meetings. |
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Follow us online
You can follow us on twitter, facebook and instagram; subscribe to us on YouTube, read the latest releases on our newsroom and if you sign up on nextdoor we are there too.
For updates on our services visit our website. |
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The Library at Home service
If you, or someone you know is unable to visit the library, why not try the Library at Home service. This is a great way to connect with new friends and volunteers through a love of reading. You can access books and audiobooks, regardless of your situation.
To find out more visit the website, or email HomeLibraryService@bathnes.gov.uk. |
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Employment and Skills Drop In at Bath Library
If you need help looking for work, training or even starting your own business, why not pop along to the employment and skills drop in sessions at Bath Central Library, from 11am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. |
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Employment and Skills Pod
Are you returning to work after a short or long break? Perhaps you are already in work and planning to change the direction of your career? The Employment & Skills Pod can help you find the right opportunities.
Since launching in March 2021, the Employment & Skills Pod has supported over 150 BANES residents with their job, business and training goals.
Call us now on 0300 247 0050 or email us on EmploymentSkills_Pod@bathnes.gov.uk. You can also find out more on the website. |
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Live Well B&NES: information for all
A web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to residents in Bath & North East Somerset has launched.
Live Well B&NES provides a wealth of useful information, signposting and resources for families, including Ofsted registered childcare, children and young people with additional needs (our SEND Local Offer) and adults needing care or support to live independently.
Information, services and groups are regularly added to Live Well B&NES. If you work with, support, provide services or run groups for children and young people or for adults needing care or support (such as older people, adults with physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments, people living with mental ill health), and haven’t already registered - make sure you’re included! It’s free and takes less than five minutes to register.
Find out more:
https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/
www.facebook.com/livewellbathnes
www.instagram.com/Youth_Info_Bathnes |
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Future Bright
Future Bright offers FREE career coaching, training and support to help you develop the skills and confidence you need to take your next step. Read some of the inspiring stories from those who have progressed with their careers with support from their Future Bright Careers Coach.
Head over to www.futurebright.org.uk to find out more or give us a call 01225 395555 |
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Specialised dementia groups in B&NES
Age UK Bath & North East Somerset are starting two new specialised Dementia Groups, which are now running weekly in Midsomer Norton & Bath.
These groups are a safe, fun environment for people to come for activities and friendship. Staff are trained in Maintenance Cognitive Behaviour Therapy which helps concentration, confidence, memory and wellbeing.
You can find out more here or call 01225 466135. |
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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, Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre is here for you.
Their friendly team will listen to any concerns you have, offer practical advice and access to free wellbeing activities to ensure you’re happy and healthy in your caring role. Contact our freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email us. We’re available 9am-1pm, every weekday. |
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Support available from the Community Wellbeing Hub
Anybody who is a resident of Bath and North East Somerset can benefit from support from the Community Wellbeing Hub, including those people who are isolating due to testing positive for Covid-19 or being in contact with someone who has Covid-19.
A collaboration between Bath & North East Somerset Council; HCRG Care Group; the 3SG; Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group; and other third sector organisation representatives. The team can offer a range of support services such as mental health, returning home from hospital, income, housing and benefits advice, emergency food, as well as lifestyle services for help with stopping smoking, getting active or losing weight.
To contact the Hub:
Phone: 0300 247 0050.
Email: cwhbanes@hcrgcaregroup.com
Website: http://communitywellbeinghub.co.uk
Text: 07870 868368
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 9am until 5pm
If you need to contact the council about its services please ring Council Connect on 01225 394041 or email Council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk |
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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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Sight loss support
Sight Support West of England provides emotional and practical support to help people adjust to living with sight loss. Since lockdown this has been either online or over the phone. Now following careful planning, some Covid-secure face-to-face support sessions are resuming on an appointment only basis.
Your Community Sight Loss Adviser will be available at Manvers Street Baptist Church, Bath on the first Wednesday each month and at Midsomer Norton Town Hall on the fourth Thursday each month.
To find out more, or make an appointment please call 0117 3224885 or email For more information on the full range of services visit www.sightsupportwest.org.uk
For more useful information visit the RNIB website: www.rnib.org.uk/ |
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Local agencies and useful links
We have been working closely with local agencies and if you would like to find out more about their work please look on their website: RUH, Avon and Somerset Police, Curo, and Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG.
- Public Health England updates a daily dashboard: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ It includes deaths that have occurred in all settings where there has been a positive Covid-19 test, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community.
- Latest information on coronavirus: www.gov.uk/coronavirus
NHS information on coronavirus: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ |
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