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

I am proud of the huge role Bath plays in supporting the national visitor economy and yesterday’s budget announcement giving regional Mayors the power to introduce a tourism levy is good news and something we have long been calling for.

We are welcoming tens of thousands of visitors over the next three weeks to our world-famous Christmas Market which contributes millions to our regional economy but also comes at a cost on our resources.

A levy will enable us to sustain and improve the quality of the visitor experience while protecting the wellbeing of our communities because we will be able to reinvest directly into the services and infrastructure that make great visits possible.

We will work closely with the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), Visit West and the local visitor economy to explore how the levy could be introduced. Any scheme would be developed in consultation with the hospitality sector, which has faced significant financial pressures since COVID.

This is a positive step for the future, the financial reality for all councils remains challenging and we are not immune from that. Rising demand for services, particularly in social care means we face tough decisions. The uncertainty around the long-delayed Fair Funding Review adds to this difficulty, making long-term planning harder.

While filming yesterday in Bath Christmas Market with C4 News and the BBC for budget reaction, it was great to see so many local and regional businesses setting up their Christmas chalets. I hope each and every business, along with our shops and hospitality sector have a very successful Christmas Market. We know events of this scale can cause disruption for residents, so I want to thank you for your patience and cooperation during the build and event period.

Finally, I’m delighted that Our World Heritage Centre won Gold for Visitor Information Service of the Year at the regional tourism awards, while The Roman Baths & Pump Rooms and Victoria Art Gallery picked up Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. These achievements reflect the council’s hard work – well done to all involved.

Have a great weekend.

Don’t give the gift of flu this festive season, get vaccinated before it’s too late

The NHS in the South West is encouraging all eligible people to get their winter flu vaccine in the lead up to the Christmas period – and is making it easier than ever to find out where clinics are in your local area. Eligible adults can book their flu vaccine appointment now via the NHS App, their GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu, by calling 119 or by finding their nearest walk-in service.

News

Work to bring more homes and develop a new recycling centre in Bath under way

Work on an ambitious scheme to bring hundreds more homes to Bath and develop a modern recycling centre has taken a step forward following the appointment of a contractor to work on the new centre in Locksbrook Road.

Views sought on new specialist school plans in Keynsham

Plans to open a specialist school and provide residential accommodation in Keynsham and make life better for children with complex needs, and their families, are out for consultation.

Councillor Kevin Guy welcomes government move on tourism levy powers

Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, today welcomed news that the government will give English Mayors the power to introduce a tourism levy.

Council hosts domestic abuse conference ahead of 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence

A global campaign to end violence against women and girls has been highlighted by local partners at the first domestic abuse annual stakeholder event in Bath.

Plan your Christmas Market journey

Bath and North East Somerset Council is advising visitors to plan their trips to Bath Christmas Market in advance and is encouraging people to use public transport, like the city’s Park & Ride service.

Have your say

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

Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there. There is a dedicated Cost of Living 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 local residents with the latest updates, events and opportunities around employment, skills and learning in their local communities. Working with providers, employers and community groups, they support and run a variety of projects that help people access the guidance and support they need.

Health, wellbeing and support

Community Wellbeing Hub

The Community Wellbeing Hub provides many services that support your health and wellbeing needs. It works with partners to ensure you get the right support at the right time. One contact to the Hub can connect you to multiple services. The Community Wellbeing Hub opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 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.

Stay safe this Black Friday

Tempted by Black Friday deals? Loan sharks take advantage of pressure to buy, but even a ‘friendly’ offer can trap you in debt. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Think you’ve been targeted? Call 0300 555 2222 or visit our website www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Shop smart. Stay safe.