Energy advice, finding warm spaces and grant opportunities Yesterday’s Budget brought announcements aimed at giving households some breathing space from high energy costs. But we all know just how much rocketing energy bills are affecting household budgets, and that for many people the cost of keeping their home warm remains a huge worry. That makes the practical support available here in Bath and North East Somerset especially important. The Energy at Home service offers advice to help you lower your bills and make your home energy work harder for you, creating a more energy-efficient and comfortable place to live. If you’ve already got experience on saving energy and would like to help others, why not become an Energy Champion? Energy Champions are community volunteers providing friendly, local advice, helping people access grants, reduce their bills and improve their home’s energy efficiency. You don’t need previous experience, and volunteers receive free training. You can find out more about saving energy and helping other on the Community Energy Network website. And as we move further into the colder months, our Warm Spaces directory lists welcoming places across Bath and North East Somerset where people can keep warm, feel safe and connect with others. Details are on our Livewell webpages I also want to highlight an opportunity for local organisations which help older residents. The Ageing Well Community Fund, funded by St John’s Foundation, is offering grants of £250 to £1,000 for community group ideas that could make life better for older people across B&NES. Scroll down the newsletter to find out how to apply. Finally, last Friday the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority approved £7 million of additional investment for Fashion Museum Bath and the wider Milsom Quarter. The funding will support the museum’s new home in the Grade II listed Old Post Office and the wider transformation of the area. It’s a major milestone for a project which will be much more than a world-class cultural attraction. It will be a catalyst for regeneration, bringing new opportunities for local people, supporting businesses, creating jobs and attracting visitors from across the UK and around the world. Have a great weekend. Councillor Kevin Guy,
Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council | 
