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e-connect 15 February 2024
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
This week we launched an eight-week Local Plan Options consultation on where to build new homes and create jobs across Bath and North East Somerset as well as what policies we need for addressing the climate and ecological emergencies.
Through the Local Plan we want to ensure high quality development is delivered in a co-ordinated way, alongside the necessary infrastructure, while helping the council to meet its priorities: providing affordable housing and addressing the climate and ecological emergency.
Local Plans are statutory documents which all councils must have and they are used for decision-making on development and the use of land in their districts.
Adopting a Local Plan is a lengthy process. When this consultation closes, the issues raised in all comments and feedback will be considered and a Draft Local Plan will be produced which will be subject to further consultation this year. The draft is then examined by an independent planning inspector. If approved by the inspector, a new Local Plan would be adopted by the council early next year. This will then determine planning applications until 2042.
A series of drop-in events across our area have been lined up so you can go along and talk to our planning officers and have your say at this options stage. You can find out more about the drop-in events or take part in online consultation on the council’s Local Plan Options Consultation pages.
This week Councillor Matt McCabe and I caught up with the Student Union presidents and their deputies from the universities of Bath and Bath Spa (pictured) to discuss local government, its work and Bath & North East Somerset Council’s priorities. We also discussed the Student Community Partnership (SCP) which does great work in bringing our universities, their Students’ Unions, the council and the community together in the interest of good neighbourly relations, sustainability and safety.
Another partnership focused on keeping young people safe is the Bath & North East Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) which from next week is running a series of events in Radstock, Bath and Cameley to raise awareness of the key issues surrounding knife crime. If you are a parent or carer who wants to know more about the dangers of knife crime or are concerned about children who may be at risk you can book onto the free events here.
Have a good weekend.
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| The Local Plan is used for decision making on development and the use of land across the district and supports the council’s Shared Vision for Bath with North East Somerset of a fair, green, creative and connected place. |
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Residents reminded to register to vote
Residents wishing to vote in Bath and North East Somerset are being reminded to check they are on the electoral register at their current address and have photo ID they can show when they go to the polling station.
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Knife crime awareness events continue for parents and carers in B&NES
A series of events to help parents and carers learn more about the dangers of knife crime is continuing this February and March.
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Have your say: new Local Plan Options consultation starts
Options for how we address our future development needs, such as where to deliver new homes and jobs across Bath and North East Somerset and what policies we need for addressing the climate and ecological emergencies are being consulted on.
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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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We are introducing new Sensory Explorer Bags for children and young people with additional needs to borrow and use in our spaces, including Bath Housing and Welfare Advice Services and the Mobile Library. Ask staff for more information. |
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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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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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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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Community Catalysts can help you set up as self-employed or as a community enterprise offering care and support to older and disabled people. You might offer help at home, such as cleaning, cooking, help to dress and wash or you might share your skills and passion by offering an inclusive activity in the community or you might
Find out more: https://www.communitycatalysts.co.uk
Funded by B&NES Council and run by Community Catalysts – a social enterprise operating across the UK.
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