A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilI start this week’s update with huge congratulations to Bath in Bloom which has been crowned champion in the 60th year of The Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) nationwide gardening competition. From 52 finalists from across the UK Bath, which won the inaugural title in 1964, not only clinched the overall title but also won a gold medal in the Small City category. The judges said they were struck by Bath’s strong emphasis on community and environment – well done to Bath in Bloom, all the amazing volunteers and our own dedicated parks team whose combined hard work and dedication has been deservedly recognised with such a prestigious achievement. Across the whole of Bath and North East Somerset we are fortunate to have amazing people contributing to making our whole area look beautiful and our congratulations equally go to all our In Bloom communities for the wins they have had in this year’s competition. This week I have been in the Victorian Spa town of Harrogate for the annual Local Government Association (LGA) conference which is an opportunity to share good practice and highlight the important work of local government in communities. As you know, one of our key priorities is securing the right homes in the right places and housing was very much on the agenda at the conference. I have already written to Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner, who gave a keynote speech, setting out our desire to work with the government on becoming a trailblazer for new ideas and policy changes that will deliver high-quality, sustainable and affordable housing in our area. The conference was also an opportunity to meet other leaders of the 28-strong Key Cities group of which I am vice-chair where we were able to share views on government plans and priorities for devolution, Mayoral Combined Authorities and Local Government finance. As part of her opening speech Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and LGA chair highlighted a recent LGA survey revealing 73 per cent of councillors taking part had experienced abuse or intimidation in their role in the past year, 23 per cent of these threats were serious enough to report to the police. Councillors are used to robust debate and discussion and challenge is vital to a healthy local democracy. However, threats, abuse and intimidation are unacceptable. The normalisation of abuse against councillors and officers either online or in person is not right and only serves to undermine local democracy. Following a council motion earlier this year B&NES signed up to the LGA campaign and have committed to take a zero-tolerance approach to the abuse of councillors and officers. Finally, I want to thank our foster carers who are another group of dedicated people. They strive to improve young lives and were celebrated at a special event in the Guildhall. We are tremendously proud of our amazing foster carers and I would encourage anyone thinking about joining our wonderful fostering community to get in touch with us. Have a good weekend. | 
