A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilEach week, I hear from residents about the pressures they are facing and the services they care about most. That is why, when we set the council budget, our priority is always to protect the services people rely on, supporting our most vulnerable residents, and make sure we are investing responsibly in the future of our area. Despite facing a £12.5m cut over the next three years, as a result of the government’s Fair Funding review, the budget we are proposing protects services for children and older people while continuing to invest in our highways and keep our streets clean and safe. We have worked hard to ensure that every pound of public money is used where it can make the greatest difference to residents’ lives. As part of the budget, I am particularly pleased to see plans to support for foster carers by offering home improvement grants. Foster carers do an extraordinary job. They open their homes and their lives to children and young people who need stability, care, and understanding at some of the most challenging times they will ever face. Their commitment makes a real, lasting difference. Alongside new investment, it is just as important to recognise where our services are already delivering high‑quality care. I am delighted to congratulate the team at our Combe Lea Care Home in Midsomer Norton which has been given a rating of ‘Good’ by Care Quality Commission inspectors. Finally, it was great this week to see so many shoppers queuing to get into the new M&S in Bath which has relocated to the former Debenhams site. There’s nothing quite like the buzz of a bustling high street and over the past few months we have seen lots of new shops popping up in the city centre. New shops bring fresh energy, new jobs, and more reasons for people to visit and spend locally. That boost helps keep money in the community, supports local families, and strengthens the services residents rely on. Have a great weekend. | 
