e-connect 30 January

Date published: 2025-01-30


Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council.
 
e-connect 30 January 2025

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

Across our area we face several housing-related challenges – not least the fact that ours is one of the least affordable places to live in the UK, with house prices around 13.4 times the annual earnings.

This unaffordability creates significant issues, including a high number of households on the social housing waiting list and negative pressure on economic growth.
The council is committed to addressing this, encouraging a mix of housing which diversifies the housing supply locally, including open-market, affordable and social housing right across Bath and North East Somerset.

So, this week I was very pleased to join Sally Higham, chair of Aequus Group of Companies (pictured), to see construction work which is under way to provide 18 new affordable homes for social rent that will be owned directly by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The properties at the Argyle Works site on the Lower Bristol Road, Bath and Danes Lane, Keynsham, are being delivered in partnership with Aequus Construction Limited (ACL) the council’s wholly-owned development company.

The Argyle Works site, formerly a Highways Maintenance Depot, is being developed to provide eight affordable, energy efficient apartments, three of which will be set aside for young people. The site in Danes Lane, that was previously used for informal parking, is being developed to provide six one-bed properties and four two-bed properties.

We have also set out our plans to develop almost 100 energy-efficient homes in Bath city centre. Building these homes as the first phase of Bath Quays North would help support further investment for affordable homes in later phases.

Our housing ambitions are set out in an ambitious B&NES Housing Plan which will go before cabinet when it meets on February 13. We will also be considering our 2025/26 budget proposals which I will update you on next week. However, I want to take this opportunity to highlight significant additional funding we plan to put into Adults and Children’s Services.

This is to meet increasing demand for people’s care needs where we commission placements and packages of care for those who have eligible care and support needs. We are also planning to invest in our Home to School Transport as part of our continued commitment, as a council to improve people’s lives.

Have a good weekend

 
Take your first step into an early years career, find out how to get the qualifications you need or search for your new role on our Shape Your Future website: https://www.shapeyourfuturebathnes.org.uk.

News

 

Work under way on council’s social rent properties at two sites in B&NES

The construction of 18 new affordable homes for social rent that will be owned directly by Bath & North East Somerset Council is under way.

 

Bath & North East Somerset Council Response on Adult Social Care Services CQC Inspection

Following an inspection in September 2024, the CQC has published its report on Adult Social Care services provided by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

 

First Festival of Libraries in B&NES

Afternoon tea with authors, creative writing workshops and drama performances are among the exciting line-up of events for Bath & North East Somerset Council’s first-ever Festival of Libraries next month.

 

Former British Army Corporal awarded Suez Canal service medal - 73 years late

A Bath resident who helped protect the Suez Canal when he served in the Royal Artillery in the 1950s has finally received his medal and a formal apology for the delay from the Ministry of Defence.

 

Drivers reminded of Cleveland Bridge weight restriction after more drivers convicted

Drivers of vehicles of over 18 tonnes gross maximum weight are being reminded that they cannot cross Cleveland Bridge on the A36 in Bath due to the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order which has been extended until October 2025.

 

‘For a Better Future’: Remembering the Holocaust in Bath and North East Somerset

Reflections from the daughter of a Hungarian Holocaust survivor and a student from Bath who has visited Auschwitz were among the presentations at a moving service to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27.

 

B&NES announces next step for city centre housing development

Plans to develop almost 100 energy-efficient city centre homes to support Bath & North East Somerset Council’s commitment to building a mix of housing solutions, as part of its ambitious Economic Strategy, have been shared for consultation.

 

Save the date - for a wedding showcase at Bath’s Guildhall

Wedding couples are being encouraged to ‘save the date’ this February for a showcase event at Bath’s historic Guildhall.

 

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 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.

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.

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.

Bath Mind


Bath Mind is an independent mental health charity whose services operate across Bath and North East Somerset. Explore Bath Mind’s services by visiting their website. Alternatively, call Freephone 0808 175 1369 any day of the week between 9am and 11pm for mental health support.

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

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.

Community Transport


Community transport schemes provide safe and accessible transport for people unable to use public transport. To find further details on community transport schemes visit livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/community-transport.

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.
 

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.

 

You can report a problem with a street, park or green space to us directly with FixMyStreet: https://fix.bathnes.gov.uk.

 
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Date published: 2025-01-30


Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Date published: 2025-01-30


Date published: 2025-01-30