A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilInvesting in our local communities to help improve people’s lives is at the heart of our 2025/26 budget proposal which we are putting before the cabinet next week before it goes to full council at the end of February. I am pleased to report that we are presenting a balanced budget demonstrating prudent management of our finances despite increasing pressure on demand and rising costs facing the council - particularly in our adult and children’s services. And I am delighted that we have been able to focus on proposals, which if approved, would see investment in areas including trialling extended park and ride hours, cleaner and greener streets, more homes being built as well as investment in care for adults and children to meet the rising need. Our budget proposals set out additional investment plans over the next five years to improve Bath and North East Somerset’s infrastructure, including more than £70 million for house building as well as investment in active travel and transport improvements. You can find out more about out budget plans on the council website or follow the cabinet meeting on February 13 which you can watch on our YouTube channel. As I mentioned last week cabinet will also discuss the council’s ambitious Housing Plan which sets out our commitment to a mix of housing supply including open-market, affordable and social housing right across Bath and North East Somerset. The plan also sets out how we will tackle empty properties, reduce homelessness and support victims of Domestic Abuse, in addition to improving housing standards. We are investing in active travel and transport. This week many of you will have received leaflets through your doors with information about our Somer Valley Links consultation where we are aiming to improve travel between Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Bath and Bristol through enhanced bus infrastructure and increased opportunities for walking, wheeling, and cycling. It is a scheme that would significantly enhance sustainable travel options and I would urge you to take part in the consultation which runs until midnight on Sunday 16 March. Finally, if you haven’t visited any of our libraries recently or if you are a regular visitor you’ll find lots of great events happening throughout February as part of our first-ever Festival of Libraries. There are lots of free events catering for all ages including afternoon tea with local authors, creative writing workshops and a theatre show. Have a good weekend. | 
