A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
While the signs of spring are emerging our thoughts this week have been on Christmas – with the council announcing the dates for the 2023 Bath Christmas Market alongside official visitor figures from our hugely successful 2022 event.
I am delighted to report last year’s market boosted the local economy by an estimated £50 million and attracted around 426,000 visitors according to an independent survey commissioned by the council.
This year the market will open on Thursday 23 November and run for 18 days closing on Sunday 10 December – look out for updates throughout the year on the Christmas Market website along with details of how to apply for stalls.
Our world-class attractions draw visitors to the city and surrounding area year round. A report before cabinet next week sets out how income from our heritage attractions is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels over the next financial year showing a strong recovery. An anticipated £8.2m profit during 2023/24 will be used to directly support people across Bath and North East Somerset by contributing to the council’s wider activities.
This evening I have the pleasure of receiving the Great Spa Towns of Europe certificate from the UK Ambassador to UNESCO at a special ceremony. Bath, along with ten other historic spa towns, secured much-coveted UNESCO World Heritage status as part of the ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’ nomination in 2021.
Protecting both visitors to our city as well as our heritage assets is being addressed thanks to our City Centre Security Scheme which is being installed. Anyone visiting the city will have seen works taking place in York Street to install anti-terrorism bollards. The proposal for work at other sites is expected to start in May or June 2023, depending on the completion of York Street, starting in Cheap Street and Hot Bath Street. These streets would look to finish before the November 2023 embargo for the Christmas Market and in January 2024, Upper Borough Walls and Lower Borough Walls would begin. The expectation is to complete all sites by May 2024.
Last Friday many of us met at Bath Abbey to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and to support a superb fundraising Concert of Warmth and Light for Oleksandryia. It was a wonderful evening and thanks must go to the Friends of Oleksandriya group and Bath Abbey for organising it.
It was a big day on Wednesday for many children who found out if they had been successful in their application for secondary school places. Nearly nine out of ten families in Bath and North East Somerset were offered a place at their first choice of secondary school for admissions this September and more than 98 per cent received one of their overall preference.
Finally we were thrilled today to learn from the Department for Education that the Secretary of State has approved our application to establish a new special free school. This will be a huge boost in provision for our young people with special educational needs. It is a significant step, and we can now start to work on our plans for a new special school in Bath and North East Somerset.
Have a good weekend.
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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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Need a little extra help with your water bill?
With the rising cost of living, many are worried about being able to afford household bills. Wessex water has financial help and support available. Have a look at the schemes on offer, below, which can be tailored to your individual circumstances:
- Reduced bill – if you’re in financial difficulty, your water bill can be reduced based on your ability to pay
- Bill cap scheme (WaterSure) – a limit on the amount you pay
- If you receive one of the main means-tested benefits or tax credits and either:
- receive child benefit for three or more children under 19 living in your household
- have someone in the household with a medical condition that causes them to use more water
- Discount for low-income pensioners - If you’re a pensioner with a low income, you could be entitled to a discount on your water and/or sewerage bill.
- Debt support scheme – if you’re behind on your water bills and are in debt, you can get help.
- Flexible payment plan – if you only need short-term help. A flexible payment plan might be suitable.
- Payment break – if you’ve had a change of circumstances, such as waiting to hear about a Universal Credit application. You can take a payment break.
- Trial a water meter – many customers find having a water meter makes bills cheaper as you only pay for what you use.
- Extra free help: Priority Services – We know that sometimes you or someone you care about may need a little help. We can communicate with you in the way you choose. Or support you if you are without water.
To find out more or apply for support, contact your water company. Wessex Water: 0345 600 3600 | Wessex Water website. If you’re unsure who your water supplier is, find out using the Water UK postcode checker. |
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Covid and flu vaccination clinics
It’s not too late to get your first and second dose of Covid-19 vaccination, or your flu vaccination. Check the NHS website for Covid -19 vaccination eligibility, or for the flu vaccination, or to find a local walk-in clinic. There are currently no Covid-19 booster doses available to anyone. When they do become available, they will be offered to people who are at increased risk from Covid-19 following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
If your school-aged child has missed their flu vaccine, please call 0300 247 0082 to organise how this can be re-arranged. If you have a child who is not yet of school age and they still need a flu vaccination, please contact your GP surgery. |
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Join discussion about Bathavon public services
Bathavon residents are being encouraged to share their views on a range of issues affecting their community at the Area Forum on March 8 at 6pm. |
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Revitalising Milsom Quarter
Plans to bring redundant buildings in the heart of Bath’s Milsom Quarter back into use to help revitalise the area are to be discussed by the council’s cabinet. |
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Have your say on issues affecting Somer Valley
Residents in the Somer Valley will have another opportunity to have their say on how services are provided in their community at the Area Forum meeting on March 7 at 6pm. |
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Heritage Services continues recovery from pandemic
Income from the council’s heritage attractions is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels over the next financial year showing a strong recovery. |
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Council highway resurfacing programme to start
Work on 25 highway resurfacing schemes to improve roads across Bath & North East Somerset is to get under way. |
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Bath Christmas Market 2023 dates announced
Dates for this year’s famous Bath Christmas Market have been announced alongside official visitor figures for the 2022 event - which boosted the local economy by an estimated £50 million. |
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Temporary accommodation for homeless households
Work is underway to provide new temporary accommodation for homeless households in Bath & North East Somerset. |
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Have your say on new locations for cycle hangars
People who visit, live or work in Bath and North East Somerset are being invited to suggest places where more bike hangars should be installed to provide secure, on-street cycle parking as part of a pilot scheme. |
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More property owners urged to seek help
Owners of empty properties are being encouraged to bring them back into use for the benefit of the local community in Empty Homes Week 2023. |
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Work starts on Keynsham Memorial Park footbridge
A replacement footbridge over the weir in Keynsham Memorial Park will be installed this summer as part of a range of improvements to the area. |
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Bus investment announcement welcomed
Last week, the council welcomed news about additional investment for some buses in its area – but called for further clarity on rural routes. |
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Roots to wellbeing
If you're feeling disconnected from others, from nature, or from feeling calm, why not come along and reconnect at Roots to Wellbeing. Come along to Brickfields Park for two hours every Tuesday afternoon (12:30-2:30pm) and spend reconnecting with others and with nature. Sessions are free and lunch, refreshments and transport are all provided. They're also full accessible and suitable for all mobility levels. Sign up here, or email Sara for more information. |
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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 here. Alternatively, you can email. |
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Public health newsletter
To keep up to date with the latest public health news stories across Bath and North East Somerset, including upcoming events 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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Employment & 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. Call now on 0300 247 0050 or you can email us. You can also find out more on the website. |
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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. Visit the Future Bright website to find out more or call 01225 395555. |
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Live Well B&NES: information for all
Live Well B&NES is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to Bath & North East Somerset residents. It provides 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 and haven’t already registered ‒ make sure you’re included. It’s free and takes less than five minutes to register. Find out more or email the LWB team. |
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Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Bath Mind is here for everyone living in B&NES, offering wellbeing groups and courses, befriending, breathing space crisis support, safe space youth group, and affordable 1:1 counselling.
For more information, support resources and to self-refer, visit the website, or call our Access Community Mental Health Team who can help you access the most suitable support for your needs: Freephone 0808 175 1369 or you can email. |
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Specialised dementia groups in B&NES
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.
The Alzheimer’s Society also runs a series of support services for people across Bath and North East Somerset. For more information, email us. |
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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 from Community Wellbeing Hub
Anybody who is a resident of Bath and North East Somerset can benefit from support from the Community Wellbeing Hub. The team 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. Opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or text 07870 868368. You can also email or visit the website.
If you need to contact the council about its services please ring Council Connect on 01225 394041 or email us. |
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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. 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. |
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