e-connect 16 July

Date published: 2026-07-16


Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council.
 
e-connect 16 July 2026

Building communities

Last weekend it was fantastic to be alongside many residents and visitors enjoying Bath Carnival. It was a real celebration of the energy, diversity and community spirit that makes Bath such a special place.

The council is a step closer to delivering hundreds of new affordable homes for our community after Cabinet approved proposals to move the project forward, including progressing the funding and land agreements needed to unlock the next phase of development. It's one of the city's most important regeneration sites and will include more than 300 affordable homes as part of the 1,000 homes planned across the site.

We know that climate change is already having an impact on our communities, from increased risks of flooding to periods of extreme heat and drought. This week we held a workshop bringing together experts from across the public sector to explore how we can protect Bath’s unique heritage while adapting to the growing challenges. Working in partnership is essential to help build a more resilient future for the communities, nature and heritage we care for.

A reminder that community organisations in Bath can apply for a share from the latest round of Bath Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding. The fund invests money from new developments into community-led projects across the city that improve local areas. Apply on the council website before midnight on 26 August.

We're all disappointed to see England's tournament come to an end in the semi-finals, but everyone involved in the team’s achievement should be incredibly proud. Sport has a unique power to bring people together and it’s been wonderful to see our community sharing memorable moments. I hope football fans will still enjoy the Argentina vs. Spain final on Sunday evening, perhaps at one of our great local licensed venues.

Have a good weekend.

Councillor Kevin Guy,
Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

 

Summer Lates returns to The Roman Baths!

From 20 July to 31 August experience relaxed after-hours opening until 10pm every night. Enjoy a drink from the pop-up bar and explore the museum at your own pace. Every Friday and Saturday evening DJs including Bristol’s Ishmael Ensemble, and Fairfield House Community DJs perform live vinyl music sets. Sunday evenings focus on laidback acoustic performances by artists such as Steve Cradock (Ocean Colour Scene / Paul Weller), and AMAUK Artist of the Year Hannah White. Free entry with B&NES Resident’s Discovery Card. See full lineup and how to book https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/summer-lates-2026.

News

 

Something special is happening outside our school gates

With our first four School Streets now in place across Bath and North East Somerset, we've created calmer, safer spaces for families walking, wheeling and cycling outside schools. As we approach the end of the school term, pupils, parents and staff are already seeing the benefits. Hear directly from the school communities in our latest School Streets video.

Watch the video >>
 

Residents invited to share views on adult learning disability support

People with learning disabilities and autism in Bath and North East Somerset are being supported to build skills, confidence and connections every day and now the council wants to go further.

Going further >>
 

Get creative this summer at Victoria Art Gallery

Looking for ways to keep curious minds busy this summer holiday? Victoria Art Gallery in Bath is inviting families to enjoy a summer of imagination, creativity, and hands-on fun.

Get creative >>
 

Upcoming visit to VolkerHighways in Clutton

Join us for a visit to VolkerHighways' depot in Clutton on Tuesday 21 July and find out more about the highway maintenance and winter gritting services they deliver across Bath and North East Somerset.

You'll be able to meet staff, hear about the work they do, and learn more about how they help keep our roads safe.

We hope you can join us for what promises to be an informative and interesting visit.

Interested? Book now for the VolkerHighways visit.

Book now >>
 

Free bus travel for under-16s this summer

From 18 July to 6 September, kids can again hop on almost all local buses for free. No booking or bus pass required.

The scheme covers all school-age children from 5 to 15, including those in secondary school. And there's no need to travel with a fare-paying adult, perfect for older kids who want to travel independently or with friends.

Free bus travel for under-16s will continue to be available during the summer, Christmas and Easter school holidays until at least 2029, thanks to funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

For more information, please visit travelwest.info.

 

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

Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there. There is a dedicated Cost of Living section on Live Well B&NES, including cost of living support (benefits, energy, food, debt, childcare, and mental health), support services and organisations, paying for care and support and planning for future care costs.

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.

Social tariffs

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 local residents with the latest updates, events and opportunities around employment, skills and learning in their local communities. Working with providers, employers and community groups, they support and run a variety of projects that help people access the guidance and support they need.

 

Health, wellbeing and support

 

Livewell B&NES

Live Well B&NES is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to families, adults needing care or support and parent carers with a child/young person with additional needs (SEND), living in B&NES.

 

Community Wellbeing Hub

The Community Wellbeing Hub provides many services that support your health and wellbeing needs. It works with partners to ensure you get the right support at the right time. One contact to the Hub can connect you to multiple services. The Community Wellbeing Hub opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or visit the website.

 

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.

 
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Date published: 2026-07-16


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

Date published: 2026-07-16


Date published: 2026-07-16