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e-connect 21 December 2023
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Like every council up and down the country, we are facing very difficult decisions in the light of squeezed budgets and rising demand – this despite managing our finances with caution.
A ‘perfect storm’ of reduced government funding, high inflation and increases in demand for services, particularly in children’s services means some tough decisions will have to be made to ensure we balance our budget.
Our situation – like other councils, was not eased this week when the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove announced a 6.5 per cent funding increase for councils following repeated warnings that local authorities across the country are facing severe financial difficulties.
For Bath & North East Somerset the settlement does not provide enough funding to meet our financial pressures, in fact it will leave B&NES worse off than expected by £187,000.
We are currently consulting on the savings and income proposals before we make decisions on our 2024/2025 budget in February. You can find our proposals and take part in the consultation, which closes on January 15, on the council’s website.
This week I joined Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for Built Environment and Sustainable Development on a visit to the construction site in Lower Bristol Road where work has started on eight new affordable homes for social rent.
The properties are being developed in partnership with Aequus Construction Limited (ACL) the council’s wholly owned development company. When completed they will include three one-bedroom apartments and five two-bedroom duplexes with three of the units set aside for young people.
Argyle Works is the next step in the council’s own affordable housing scheme, which is directly delivering council housing by either developing existing council properties or on surplus land. The initial £12m B&NES Homes programme will provide 58 general needs council houses for rent, with hundreds more in the pipeline for this administration to deliver.
I am delighted to highlight the fantastic response we’ve had to a very special grant which will fund ten exciting community projects in the Somer Valley next year. The Willson Grant supports communities to run schemes that encourage walking, cycling and wheeling and support good mental health through use of arts, culture or green events and activities. Thank you to everyone who submitted great applications and well done to the ten award winners. You can find out more about them on our newsroom.
Finally, as many look forward to the Christmas break, I want to express my sincere thanks to all the council staff who have maintained our services, and to all our residents and businesses, who make Bath and North East Somerset such a special place.
A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
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Recycling and rubbish collection dates over the Christmas and New Year period
Temporary alterations to the recycling and rubbish collection dates over the Christmas and New Year period will affect collections that would normally be scheduled from Monday December 25 to Friday January 12. The revised dates can be found on the website. A calendar with the revised dates can be downloaded from the website.
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Library, Information & Advice Services Christmas opening
All of our Libraries, Information and Advice Services will be closed:
- Christmas Day, 25 December
- Boxing Day, 26 December
- New Year’s Day, January
We’ll be open as normal on all other days over the holiday period.
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Consider Dry January for short and long term health benefits
A better night’s sleep, more energy and a calmer mind are just some of the benefits to Dry January, an initiative by Alcohol Change UK to encourage people to take on 31 days alcohol-free for a total body and mind reset.
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Local government finance settlement ‘leaves B&NES worse off than expected'
Funding for local authorities in England announced by the Government this week will leave Bath & North East Somerset Council worse off than expected by £187,000, say council leaders.
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Ten new community projects for the Somer Valley
A bespoke taxi service on a side-by-side tandem trike, an arts trail, a Forest School for adults and handweaving sessions for people with learning disabilities are among ten community projects coming to the Somer Valley that will be free for people to access.
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Council seeks view on “very difficult choices” around budget proposals for 2024-25
Views on Council Tax levels, budget savings and proposals for raising income are being sought as Bath & North East Somerset Council faces “very difficult choices” in the light of squeezed budgets and rising demand.
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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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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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| Join the Employment & Skills Pod at Bath Central Library on Wednesday 31st January 10am – 12pm for their Skills for Work Volunteering Opportunities drop-in. |
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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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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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| If you're eligible for a flu and Covid-19 vaccination you can book at www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations or call 119. At-risk groups include people aged 65 and over, those with a weakened immune system and pregnant women. |
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