A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilThis week I want to start by celebrating a major achievement for our Children’s Services team. A recent inspection by Ofsted has rated the service as ‘Good’ and found that children in B&NES continue to benefit from good quality support, help and services that have a positive impact on their lives. This is a huge credit to our caring team who have worked tirelessly to create trusting relationships with the children we look after as corporate parent. Thank you to all our colleagues involved in this success. You can watch our video for more information about the support the team provides. Alongside this good news, I also want to reflect on a more solemn issue. I know many of you share my horror at the ongoing conflicts and crises in many parts of the world – particularly in Gaza, where there is mounting evidence of famine, and the ongoing horrific war in Ukraine. The council has no role in international affairs and must look to our national leadership to speak on the world stage. With that in mind I have previously written to the government on behalf of the council to urge action in resolving the conflict and creating safe and legal routes for refugees. You will be proud to know that this council already has a strong and successful record in supporting individuals and families from Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan and Hong Kong and we stand ready to support future government schemes. We can and do already help those that are here, as earlier this year, key officers and I met B&NES residents who have previously spoken at council meetings about Gaza, including a resident who is of Palestinian origin, to outline the role of the council’s Resettlement Team and highlight the range of support that is offered in B&NES to all our residents. We are a welcoming and loving region and I will do everything in my power to ensure it remains so. Looking ahead to next week’s National Allotments Week (August 11 to 17) I’d like to highlight the hugely valuable role allotments have – not only for nature and biodiversity and growing our own food, but also on our physical and mental health and connection with our community. Bath Allotments Association supports allotment holder and leisure growers across the whole of B&NES and their website has plenty of information to help you find out more about getting involved. Have a great weekend. | 
