A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilIt has now been confirmed that the pre-election period starts on Friday 31 May and will last until the polling stations have closed on Thursday 4 July. During this period the council’s communications will follow strict election guidance. Council services will continue as normal but you may see some decisions and consultations are paused. The cabinet meeting on 6 June will be going ahead as we have some really useful reports to consider. We’ll be receiving an update on how the council has been delivering on its priorities over the past year - such as supporting looked after children, delivering more affordable housing, providing more transport choices and addressing the climate emergency. To help deliver our priorities, it makes sense for us to attract as much central government funding as we can. So another report going before cabinet on June 6 asks for approval to progress proposals for two new schools, following confirmation we have received funding from the Department for Education.
The SEND Free Special School would enable more children with SEND to be better supported in their local area and the Alternative Provision School would meet the needs of the most vulnerable pupils at risk of permanent exclusion. The council has retained the site of the former Culverhay School since Bath Community Academy’s closure in 2018 as a site that is well located to meet the needs of children and young people and could accommodate both types of educational provision on one site. As a naval veteran, June 6 also has a special resonance for me as it is of course the date of D-Day, the 80th anniversary of which is now approaching. I am sure many of us will use the commemorations to reflect and to give thanks. The Mulberry Harbours were of course designed in Bath by the Admiralty - hence Mulberry Park - and this reflects our area's long-standing link with naval matters. Staying with issues that affect me personally, as a gay man I welcome the celebration of Pride Month in June. I’ve come across bigotry and abuse in my life and I proudly offer my support to all LGBTQ+ people across Bath and North East Somerset. Have a great weekend everyone. | 
