A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilI’m proud to share that the council has been recognised for excellence across a wide range of services following an independent review by the Local Government Association (LGA). This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff, councillors, and partners who work hard for our communities. The LGA’s Corporate Peer Challenge, which involved senior councillors and officers from across the country, highlighted our strong leadership, outward-looking approach, and commitment to making a real difference. It’s not an inspection, but a valuable opportunity to receive independent feedback on our progress and future plans. This was our first review since 2019, and I’m proud of the achievements it recognises. The report commends our work on climate action, shaping our city, towns and rural areas, promoting community wellbeing, and managing our finances responsibly. It also identifies areas where we can go further—particularly in tackling local inequalities and strengthening strategic planning. These are important challenges, and we welcome the opportunity to improve. The council’s cabinet will consider the findings and a draft action plan at its meeting on 13 November. A follow-up visit is planned for summer 2026 to assess our progress. You can view the cabinet reports and watch the meeting live from 6pm on our YouTube channel. While we celebrate this recognition, we must also acknowledge the financial pressures we face. Our Medium Term Financial Strategy outlines in-year pressures of £2.5 million. We are also preparing for the impact of the Government’s Fair Funding Review, which could reduce our funding by £13 million over three years. This comes on top of rising costs in social care and home-to-school transport. Many will agree with the principle of redistributing funding to areas with the greatest need. However, without additional money in the system, councils like ours face difficult choices. We’ve asked the Government to consider a tourist tax to help bridge the gap, but we’ve yet to receive a response. A truly fair funding review would ensure no council loses out - and we’re calling on the Government to urgently reconsider. Despite these challenges, we continue to make real progress in key areas. Our Adult Social Care services have undergone a significant transformation, leading to a dramatic drop in waiting times which you can read about in on our Newsroom. Feedback from residents using these services has been overwhelmingly positive, with 90 per cent saying they feel listened to, supported, and involved in their care. We’re investing £1.79 million over two years to continue improving these vital services. This weekend many of us will come together to honour those who have served and sacrificed. Having served in the Royal Navy and as the Member Advocate for Armed Forces and Veterans, Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day on Tuesday November 11 are very important to me personally. Freedom and democracy cannot be taken for granted, so please take time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice so many young men and women made so we can live in a tolerant and free world. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them. | 
