e-connect 10 July

Date published: 2025-07-10


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

 

 
e-connect 10 July 2025
Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council.

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

As many of you will have seen, Will Godfrey has announced he’ll be stepping down as Chief Executive later this year. He’ll remain full-time until the end of September, then move to a part-time role until January 2026 to support a smooth handover.

Will has led the council through some of the most challenging periods in recent memory—from the pandemic to major investment in local services like the Keynsham Recycling Centre. I want to thank him for his calm, principled leadership and unwavering commitment to public service.

He’s also been instrumental in shaping the council’s corporate strategy, with its two core priorities: giving people a bigger say and tackling the climate and ecological emergency, so it’s fitting that this week we’ve launched a project that delivers on both fronts.

Energy in Your Community, a partnership project involving the council, Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE), the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) and the University of Bath is now live and looking for three communities that are interested in exploring the potential for community-owned renewable energy projects in their area.

This is about working with local communities—building something that’s genuinely community-led, with local voices shaping how it works from the start.

If you’re keen to introduce small-scale capacity for energy generation such as solar farms or wind farms or are just curious, please take a few minutes to register your interest on the council website. The more people who get involved now, the stronger the network will be.

Finally, please look out for an exciting Summer Lates music series at The Roman Baths – a chance to enjoy our amazing heritage site into the evening and enjoy live music. It’s a rare chance to explore the Baths by twilight.

Have a great weekend.

 

Hot weather

Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot, but some are at higher risk than others. Look out for older people, people with long-term health conditions and young children who may find it more difficult to stay cool and hydrated in hot weather.

News

 

B&NES community housing development scoops award at national Planning Awards

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s flagship scheme to provide much-needed accommodation for adults with learning disabilities, picked up an award at a national awards ceremony that showcases outstanding work in the field of planning and placemaking.

 

Bath & North East Somerset Council Chief Executive Will Godfrey to step down

Will Godfrey, Chief Executive of Bath & North East Somerset Council, has announced his intention to step down from the role after six years of dedicated service.

 

Project to retrofit listed buildings extended for further three years

Owners and occupiers of listed buildings seeking to understand how they can save energy while also conserving their property will have ongoing access to advice and support following a successful grant application for more than £229K.

 

Communities invited to register interest in developing local renewable energy

Groups and organisations wanting to explore the potential for community-owned renewable energy projects in their area are invited to register their interest on the Bath & North East Somerset Council website.

 

Views sought on Temple Cloud Liveable Neighbourhoods scheme

Residents in Temple Cloud are being asked to share their views on proposals to reduce the speed of traffic through the village and encourage active travel.

 

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:

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

Fully funded Business Start-up Programme for B&NES residents

Got a business idea or a hobby that could become a business? This completely free Business Start-up Programme offers practical workshops to guide you through refining your idea, market research, marketing, financial planning, and more.

 

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 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.

 

Win your Regency style ceremony

Calling all romantics. Win the ultimate Jane Austen and Bridgerton-inspired wedding or vow renewal ceremony in Bath’s Parade Gardens on 13 September. Enter now - the competition closes on 20 July https://bathnes.gov.uk/win-your-own-regency-style-wedding-ceremony.

 
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Date published: 2025-07-10


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

Date published: 2025-07-10


Date published: 2025-07-10