A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

Sadly, this week my thoughts have been with the people of Liverpool, after the appalling Premier League parade incident that overshadowed the elation of Liverpool Football Club and its supporters. Our hearts go out to those affected and we applaud the courageousness of the emergency services who responded.

Returning to council news, I welcome the appointments of Paulton Ward Councillor Liz Hardman as the new Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council and Timsbury Ward Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall as the new Vice Chair.

The Chair is an annual non-political role elected by councillors and benefits the community, which includes chairing official council meetings, celebrating landmark local events and welcoming royal and other VIP visitors to our area. I know that both Liz and Shaun are looking forward to supporting our communities.

We're once again opening up the Riverside Colonnades in Bath’s Parade Gardens this weekend. They are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday (30 May to 1 June) from 9.00am to 7.00pm, following the pilot event in Autumn 2024 which saw more than 29,000 people enjoying free entry. Don’t miss another chance to find out the hidden histories of the Colonnades – and remember that entry to the Gardens remains free all year. The new Garden Shed café and bar is also now open.

I close by sending congratulations to Bath Rugby on their incredible performance against Lyon last Friday (May 23) to claim the European Challenge Cup, their first European title in 17 years. I also wish them the best of luck as they home in on the next challenge - to secure their first Premiership title in nearly 30 years.

Have a great weekend.

Bath Riverline litter pick

Enjoy a litter pick along the River Avon. Start at Locksbrook Campus and end at Bath Quays. Rounding off with a drink at the Climate Hub. June 4th, 10:30 to 12:30. Book your spot for the Bath Riverline litter pick on eventbrite.

News

Single-use vapes banned from June

Single-use vapes are being banned by the Government from June 1 due to their environmental impact and fire risks.

Nature-themed mural brings a splash of colour to Bath riverside

Young artists have worked together to transform a graffiti covered wall on the path alongside the River Avon in Bath with a bright and colourful work of art.

New Chair and Vice Chair appointed to Bath & North East Somerset Council

Councillor Liz Hardman has been elected as the new Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council.

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Council meetings

Do you want to know about decisions being taken by the council and have your say? Please follow this link to the council’s calendar of meetings.

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Support

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:

Cost of living support (benefits, energy, food, debt, childcare, & mental health)
Support services and organisations
Paying for care and support, planning for future care costs

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.

Energy at Home

Our Energy at Home website provides information about the latest funding and support available to help B&NES residents save money on their energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of their home.

Social tariffs

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

Library services

Our Libraries offer a range of services, including the Library at Home service where we can bring the library to you and sensory spaces for children and young adults with sensory needs. You can also find out about events happening in our libraries.

Employment support and skills

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.

Health, wellbeing and support

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.

Public health

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.

Our Highways teams were busy throughout 2024/25 delivering improvements across Bath & North East Somerset and keeping our network running. Watch some of what’s been done.