Walk to school month, funding for community projects and registering your child’s birth Across our area we have some incredible communities and organisations working to improve people’s lives and make positive changes, so I want to start this week by highlighting a consultation we have just launched asking for your views on where community funds should be invested. The Community Infrastructure Levy is a planning charge paid on new developments and used to fund projects that benefit local communities. Part of these funds are passed to the town or parish council where the CIL was generated, to address local priorities. Bath does not have a town or parish council so it retains 15 per cent of funds for allocation in Bath. So, we are asking you to help decide which Bath projects from a shortlist of 20 should receive funding. Outdoor learning and play, modern youth facilities, accessibility schemes and traffic calming near schools are among the schemes being put forward for this financial support. October is Walk to School Month, and it is a great opportunity to highlight the work we have been doing to make school journeys safer, healthier and more enjoyable for children and families with our School Streets programme. This year we launched four school streets. School Streets introduce short, timed vehicle restrictions at the start and end of the school day to reduce congestion, improve safety and encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling. Essential vehicle access is available for those who need it. We are committed to supporting families from the very beginning of a child’s life. Through Best Start in Life we are bringing services together to make it easier for parents and carers to access the advice, information and support they need. Our new Best Start Family Hub in Twerton provides a welcoming space where families can get health, education and support under one roof. Alongside this, I’m delighted that parents can now register the birth of their child at the Twerton Hub, making an important life event more convenient and accessible for local families. You can contact our register office 01225 477234 or email register_office@bathnes.gov.uk to find out more. Thinking about future generations was at the heart of an event I was pleased to attend yesterday (pictured with the Mayor of Bath Councillor Ruth Malloy). The University of Bath's 60th Anniversary Adelard event brought together inspiring voices to discuss how we can equip younger generations to tackle climate change - one of the greatest challenges of our time. It was encouraging to hear such passion, determination and optimism from speakers and participants alike. Climate action is not only about reducing emissions; it is about creating healthier communities, protecting our natural environment and ensuring a thriving and resilient place to live. Have a great weekend. Councillor Kevin Guy,
Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council | 
Thursday 29 October
11am to 1pm
Keynsham Library
Ages 7+
FREE (booking required)
