A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

Over recent weeks we’ve seen how winter weather can test our communities. We recently ran a well-attended workshop in Upper Weston giving residents and groups practical advice and support on the best ways to prepare for emergencies including severe weather events.

As a council, we prepare all year for severe weather. Our emergency planning team, highways and community teams work with the Environment Agency, emergency services, voluntary groups and local flood wardens to monitor forecasts, grit priority routes, respond to fallen trees and flooding, and coordinate support if conditions worsen.

If you spot an issue such as a blocked drain, damaged tree or road hazard, please report it via our website or Council Connect so we can act quickly. And if you can, take a moment to consider your own preparations as well as check in on neighbours. There’s a lot of practical advice and support on the council website.

Last night a candlelit vigil was held outside the Guildhall following on from White Ribbon Day and 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. It was a moment to reaffirm the council’s commitment to a community where women and girls are safe, respected and able to thrive..

If you are worried about violence, abuse or neglect you can report concerns about a vulnerable adult or a child, directly to the council or to Avon and Somerset Police and of course in an emergency, call the police on 999.

As we fast approach the end of this year. I want to take this opportunity to pay a warm tribute to our outgoing Chief Executive Will Godfrey, who leaves at Christmas. Will has led the organisation through challenging times with calm leadership and a strong focus on public service. On behalf of the council and our residents, thank you Will, and very best wishes for the future.

Finally, to everyone in our area who is celebrating Hanukkah this weekend, I wish you and your families a joyful and peaceful Festival of Lights.

Have a great weekend.

Kids go free again

Kids in Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire aged from 5 to 15 years old can benefit from free bus travel again this winter – just by hopping on board, with no bus pass or registration required.

The Christmas offer will run on all registered commercial and supported bus services starting in Bath & North East Somerset. Find out more online travelwest.info/bus/kids-go-free.

News

Lesley Exley Appointed Trustee of the Fashion Museum Bath Foundation

The Fashion Museum Bath Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Lesley Exley as a Trustee.

Have your say

Council meetings

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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View and take part in our consultations

Support

Cost of living

Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there. There is a dedicated Cost of Living section on Live Well B&NES, including:

Cost of living support (benefits, energy, food, debt, childcare, & mental health)
Support services and organisations
Paying for care and support, planning for future care costs

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.

Energy at Home

Our 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.

Social tariffs

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

Library services

Our Libraries offer a range of services, including the Library at Home service where we can bring the library to you and sensory spaces for children and young adults with sensory needs. You can also find out about events happening in our libraries.

Employment support and skills

Achieve

Achieve in B&NES provides local residents with the latest updates, events and opportunities around employment, skills and learning in their local communities. Working with providers, employers and community groups, they support and run a variety of projects that help people access the guidance and support they need.

Health, wellbeing and support

Community Wellbeing Hub

The Community Wellbeing Hub provides many services that support your health and wellbeing needs. It works with partners to ensure you get the right support at the right time. One contact to the Hub can connect you to multiple services. The Community Wellbeing Hub opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or visit the website.

Public health

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.

Warm spaces

Keep warm and enjoy some welcome company; the autumn and winter 2025 to 2026 Warm Spaces Directory for Bath & North East Somerset is now live on Livewell B&NES. There is a handy map of Warm Spaces to help everyone find their nearest warm and welcoming venue.