A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council

Since our climate emergency declaration in Bath and North East Somerset the council has worked in partnership with many organisations to meet net zero targets.

The ambitious work happening across our area, from planning policy, supporting residents to retrofit their homes, to tree-planting, greening our own fleet or making council buildings more energy efficient, was shared at a Key Cities event this week.

We are a member of Key Cities – a network and voice for 27 cities, of all shapes and sizes, around the country. Key Cities brings together an alliance of shared issues so I was delighted that we were able to highlight so much of the work we are doing in B&NES and the way we are partnering for growth.

As I mentioned the council has invested in electric vehicles in parts of its fleet and is now trialling an electric recycling truck powered by electricity generated from solar panels at Keynsham Recycling Hub.

Investment is set aside to potentially replace several diesel-fuelled refuse collection vehicles with electric powered ones in 2026 – making the service cleaner and greener. It is great to see the truck on the road collecting recycling, contributing to cleaner air and using energy generated at Keynsham Recycling Centre.

Looking ahead to the weekend I am thrilled to be attending a very special celebration being held to mark the 100^th birthday of a remarkable Bath resident.

The council’s Chair, Councillor Karen Walker and I have the honour of meeting D Day veteran Stan Ford who is celebrating his landmark birthday with his family and friends on Saturday.

Stan was badly injured during the landings after his ship HMS Fratton was torpedoed and was sunk off the Normandy coast on 18 August 1944. Thirty-eight of the ship’s crew were picked up, however 31 lost their lives.

And as part of next week’s national 80^th anniversary of the D Day landings Stan has been involved in the Standing with Giants project – he has had a life-size banner created using his photo which we hope will soon be on show in the Guildhall as a reminder of one of Bath’s heroes. Happy Birthday Stan!

Have a great Bank Holiday weekend

Voter ID

Polling stations are open until 10.00pm tonight for the West of England Combined Authority Mayoral election. Please remember you will need ID to vote. Check which forms of ID that are accepted.

For election results go to https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/about-us/democracy-funding-transparency/west-of-england-mayoral-elections/results.

News

Council trials electric recycling vehicle charged by solar energy

An electric recycling collection truck powered by electricity generated from solar panels at Keynsham Recycling Hub is being trialled by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

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 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:

Cost of living support (benefits, energy, food, debt, childcare, & mental health)
Support services and organisations
Paying for care and support, 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 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.

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.

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.