|
e-connect 19 October 2023
|
|
|
A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
The housing situation in our nation is broken and while the extortionate cost of housing in Bath brings great wealth to a few, these unprecedented levels are forcing most people out of the housing market and more of our residents into homelessness.
The state rightly dictates to local authorities that we have a legal obligation to help people who are homeless but as with most statutory services fails to provide local authorities with anywhere near the adequate funds to carry out these fundamental obligations. However I would passionately argue the case that even if we did not have such a legal obligation, which is compounded by chronic underfunding, that myself as leader, the council as a whole and us collectively as residents have a moral duty to help households that are threatened with homelessness and to help those that are at risk of losing suitable accommodation, to find alternative housing, often at short notice. Accordingly, I am extremely proud to say this is one of many ways this council provides help and support to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
Placing households in hotel or B&B accommodation is not ideal and it is costly for the council. One of the ways we are addressing this is to provide our own accommodation and yesterday, Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for Built Environment and Sustainable Development and I (pictured with Jonathan Poole from Aequus Development Ltd) took the opportunity to visit one of two council-owned properties we are developing.
Both will provide well-equipped supported accommodation for 14 households and provide a place of sanctuary for households while we work with them to find permanent homes.
When complete next month the accommodation, which has many energy-saving measures, will be managed directly by the council’s Housing Services team with dedicated housing staff present each day offering support and advice. It’s another good achievement for our B&NES Homes housing programme and follows on from another successful development in the city.
As you know, one of our key priorities is securing the right homes in the right places. This year the first general needs homes owned directly by the council were prioritised for NHS staff working in the electoral ward of Newbridge. The seven apartments at Newbridge Hill are the start of a pipeline of nearly 200 properties which will be delivered through the council’s ‘B&NES Homes’ programme with an initial £12m provided to develop another 50 council houses for rent.
Bath City Council was in fact an early adopter of powers to build council homes and Bath Record Office has now made available- thanks to funding from the Wellcome Trust - fascinating records relating to slum clearance, council housing and renovation of ‘unfit’ properties in the city between 1890 and 1995. More information can be found at https://www.batharchives.co.uk/imagine-hundred-years-homes-bath-funded-wellcome-trust.
Two years ago we established a Community Contribution Fund which the council administers. To date residents have raised more than £38,000 and funded 39 local projects. Every penny goes to local projects, so thank you to all those who have contributed to it. The next round of funding for local charity, voluntary or community organisations will be opened during November. If you want to find out more please visit our website for details.
The new university term is now well under way and I recently wrote to all student residents to extend a warm welcome to the area and explain the range of services delivered by the council.
During the summer, the annual Student Moving Out campaign encouraged students to drop off their good quality, preloved items at British Heart Foundation donation points across the city. The annual Student Move In Campaign, led by the Student Community Partnership (SCP), sees officers from our waste team and the Clean & Green Project joining SCP and student volunteers, knocking on doors to give advice to students. My thanks to everyone involved.
Have a good weekend. |
|
| Are you looking for a new adventure in life? B&NES Council is looking for committed individuals to become foster carers. To find out more information visit our website: fostering.bathnes.gov.uk. |
|
Consultation opens on funding new Community Neighbourhood Projects for Bath
Library improvements, new play equipment and a football pitch upgrade are among the neighbourhood projects that residents can choose to benefit from the latest round of community funding in Bath. |
|
Accommodation for homeless households in Bath takes shape
Construction work on much-needed purpose-built accommodation for homeless households in Bath and North East Somerset is nearing completion. |
|
Community Contribution Fund to support local good causes
Residents wishing to support others in the community who are struggling during the cost of living crisis are being encouraged to donate to a fund to help local good causes. |
|
Consultation proposal on reshaping care for people in B&NES
Proposals to reshape care for people being looked after in three Bath & North East Somerset Council-run community resource centres are being recommended for public consultation. |
|
Two-year project gives access to 100 years of housing history in Bath
More than 100 years of Bath’s housing history has been preserved and made accessible following a two-year project carried out by staff at Bath Record Office. |
|
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. |
|
| 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 |
|
Employment support and skills
|
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. On Tuesday 24 October Midsomer Norton Library is hosting the Midsomer Norton Training & Jobs Fair. |
|
Health, wellbeing and support
|
|
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. |
|
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. You can also find out about digital support for people aged 55 and over. Email digital@ageukbanes.co.uk or visit bit.ly/AgeUKBANESDigital |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
COVID-19 autumn 2023 seasonal booster doses (5yrs+) at Keynsham Scout Hut
COVID-19 autumn 2023 seasonal booster doses (5yrs+) at Keynsham Scout Hut, Tuesday 24 October, 10am-5pm for those eligible.
Keynsham Scout Hut, Ashton Way, BS31 2UF, Tuesday 24 October 2023
Check your eligibility here. Children 5-11 to be booked via the National Booking System. Walk-ins available for all other age groups or book via the National Booking System here. |
|
|
|
