| e-connect 21 September 2023 |
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
This week I had the pleasure of meeting new residents from Hong Kong who have arrived in Bath & North East Somerset under the Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) visa scheme. Our fantastic resettlement team held a special event in the Guildhall as part of our warm welcome to our new residents.
I’ve no doubt that you will have seen the new Tier e-scooters and e-bikes, soon to be joined by e-cargo bikes, that the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has introduced in Bath. These have the potential to bring great benefits to helping people travel more sustainably but we are closely monitoring the introduction of the scheme, particularly the impact of the new e-bikes and the potential for them to obstruct footways. If you have any feedback on the new services, please contact us on micromobility@bathnes.gov.uk.
As you know we are committed to improving air quality and the Clean Air Zone is helping to achieve that. I am particularly pleased by the way that other areas seek to learn from what we have done, and so it was great to see our deputy leader and cabinet member for climate emergency and sustainable travel, Councillor Sarah Warren, give evidence recently to a House of Commons select committee inquiry into air quality targets. Sarah called for clearer messaging from government about the importance of this issue for people’s health and also said that more powers over public transport would also mean the council could give people more alternatives to using the car.
This week we have done our very best to minimise disruption to waste and recycling services which have been affected by Unite industrial action in relation to the local government national pay award. Our recycling centres have been kept open and rubbish collections have gone ahead. Some recycling rounds have been impacted so please remember to take your bins/boxes back inside and present them again on your next scheduled collection and place additional waste/recycling alongside them if needed. Garden Waste collections were suspended and to make up for the missed collections current wheeled bin subscribers will receive an extra collection during the Christmas shut down period.
This weekend promises to be another busy one for the city with the Great Bath Feast Festival taking over Milsom Street, Wood Street, Quiet Street, Green Street and New Bond Street and showcasing the best food and drink in the region. The council is backing this hugely popular vent as part of our ongoing commitment to encouraging more visitors into Bath and helping boost business.
Have a good weekend.
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Flu and Covid-19 vaccinations
Vaccinations have begun for people most at risk of falling seriously ill. Care home residents and housebound people will be visited. Other eligible groups including people aged 65 and over, those with a weakened immune system and pregnant women will be contacted directly from September 18 to book an appointment. https://bsw.icb.nhs.uk/vaccinations-for-flu-and-covid-19-start-today-for-those-most-at-risk/ |
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Unite Industrial action in Waste & Recycling. Update Thursday 21 September (08.30)
We are experiencing some disruption to waste, recycling and garden waste collections due to Unite industrial action within our Waste and Recycling service which is being held from Monday 18 September to Sunday 24 September. This industrial action is in relation to the local government national pay award.
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Council welcomes Government ban on single-use plastics
Residents and businesses in Bath and North East Somerset are being reminded about a ban on commonly littered single-use plastics which comes into force on October 1. |
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FixMyStreet improvements outlined in report
Improvements to an online system where residents can report problems with highways and public spaces in Bath & North East Somerset are being set out before councillors. |
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Review launched to make council tax benefits in B&NES fairer
A report before the council’s Corporate Policy Development & Scrutiny Panel on September 19, sets out three options for consulting on adjustments to the scheme to improve its fairness. There is also the option to remain with the current scheme.
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Solar group-buying scheme for homeowners wanting to save money and cut carbon is open for registrations of interest
Residents and local businesses are being offered an easy way to invest in solar panels and battery storage to power their homes with clean energy and support the council’s net zero carbon ambitions.
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The Great Bath Feast benefits from High Street Renewal funding
The Great Bath Feast is a free festival running from September 22 to 24 and comprises an artisan market with street food, chef demos, performances and live music across Milsom Street, Wood Street, Quiet Street, Green Street and New Bond Street.
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Additional on-street secure cycle parking now available to rent
New on-street, secure cycle parking is now available to rent in residential areas of Bath and North East Somerset following the installation of seventeen new bike hangars.
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Next Forum meetings
Each Area Forum meets either in person or online around four times per year. The online meetings are recorded and placed on the Council's YouTube Channel.
- Chew Valley: 27 September at 6pm. Chew Valley School, Chew Magna BS40 8QB
- Keynsham Area: 28 September at 6pm. Keynsham Community Space (above the Library) 5 Temple St, Keynsham BS31 1HA
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Cost of living crisis
Worried about the cost of living? Help is out there. There is a dedicated Cost of Living Crisis section on Live Well B&NES, including:
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. |
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| 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 |
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| You can help shape library and information services in B&NES. Take part in the survey online. |
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Employment support and skills
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The Good Employment Summit
Join West of England Combined Authority at the inaugural Good Employment Summit on 18 October at The Bristol Hotel, Prince Street from 10am-4pm to celebrate the Good Employment Charter.
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Achieve
Achieve in B&NES provides a job and course search service for anybody wishing to enter the workplace or progress their career. There are free and funded courses from local providers. |
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We Work For Everyone
Looking for work and have a learning difficulty or learning disability, or you are autistic, we can help. Visit weworkforeveryone.org. |
Future Bright
Future Bright offers FREE career coaching, training and support. Visit the Future Bright website to find out more or call 01225 395555. |
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Employment & Skills Pod
The Employment & Skills Pod provides information, advice and guidance for residents who are unemployed, 18+ and would like support around employment.
You can find out more on the achieve website.
We’re running a series of events across B&NES during September and October with a range of local organisations attending.
Monday 2 October - Keynsham Training & Jobs Fair – Keynsham Library, Civic Centre BS31 1FS
Tuesday 24 October - Midsomer Norton Training & Jobs Fair – Midsomer Norton Library, High St BA3 2DP |
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Health, wellbeing and support
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Live Well B&NES
Live Well B&NES is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to Bath & North East Somerset residents. |
Community Wellbeing Hub
The Community Wellbeing Hub opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or text 07870 868368 or visit the website. |
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Bath Mind
Bath Mind is here for everyone living in B&NES. For more information, support resources and to self-refer, visit the website, or call our Access Community Mental Health Team: Freephone 0808 175 1369 or you can email. |
Age UK
Age UK Bath & North East Somerset run specialised Dementia Groups in the district. These groups are a safe, fun environment for people to come for activities and friendship. Find out more here or call 01225 466135. |
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Sight loss support
Sight Support West of England provides emotional and practical support to help people adjust to living with sight loss. To find out more, or make an appointment please call 0117 3224885 or email. For more information on the full range of services, visit the website. For more useful information visit the RNIB website. |
Domestic abuse
Southside provides help to people who live in Bath & North East Somerset who are at risk of domestic violence and abuse. The working hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Thursday, and 9am-4pm Fridays. Local support services can be found here. |
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Do you look after someone else?
If you support someone who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction or who needs extra help as they grow older, Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre is here for you. Contact our freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email us. We’re available 9am-1pm, every weekday. |
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Public health newsletter
To keep up to date with the latest public health news stories across Bath and North East Somerset, including upcoming events 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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You can report a problem in your area with FixMyStreet: https://fix.bathnes.gov.uk.
We’ve fixed more than 200 issues in the past month. |
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