A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilThis is my first e-connect message of 2026 and I’d like to take this opportunity wish you all a Happy New Year.
Firstly, I want to acknowledge many of our teams who worked over the festive period in particular our waste and recycling services, they did an amazing job – thank you to everyone who recycled. Your efforts make a real difference.
Over the coming weeks a great deal of work will be brought together on our budget proposals ahead of full council on February 24 when it is set. Despite the challenges we face with limited resources and increasing demand on services, we are ambitious about investing in the care we provide, for example to children with special educational needs and preventative support in adult social care.
Crucially we will continue to focus on the ‘right homes in the right places’ – work on our Local Plan will be ongoing in 2026 and alongside this another key priority will be increasing sustainable travel choices. We will also continue to prioritise a cleaner, greener Bath and North East Somerset. I will update you on all of these areas as our budget proposals progress.
I’m pleased to welcome our new Chief Executive, Sophie Broadfield, who started in her new role on January 1. Sophie brings strong leadership and a focus on delivery, and I know she will help us keep improving services for you. Earlier this week I joined Sophie (pictured) and colleagues from our cleansing teams to understand some of the challenges they face keeping our city and towns safe and clean.
Independent results are an important check on how we’re doing and where we can do better and I am delighted to report the council has done really well in the National Highways and Transport (NHT) Survey. A range of our services were given the thumbs up you. We achieved the highest satisfaction score out of 111 local authorities for how easy it is for people to get in touch and report a problem and our Park & Ride service achieved the second highest score in the country – for the third year in a row.
Finally, if the weather predictions are right Storm Goretti may bring disruption and difficult travelling conditions. As a council, we prepare all year for severe weather. Our emergency planning team, highways and community teams work with the Environment Agency, emergency services, voluntary groups and local flood wardens to monitor forecasts, grit priority routes, respond to fallen trees and flooding, and coordinate support if conditions worsen.
If conditions do turn, please look out for neighbours, especially those who may need extra support, and check council channels for any updates.
Have a great weekend | 
