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e-connect 3 September 2026 |
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 | Planning for homes, SEND inspection findings and preserving heritage One of the privileges of being the council leader is seeing first-hand the projects helping to shape the future of our area. Last week I was delighted to visit Bath's iconic Assembly Rooms to learn more about the National Trust's ambitious restoration programme and to see the impressive work already under way.
The Assembly Rooms hold a special place in Bath's history and in the memories of many residents. The investment being made will help safeguard this remarkable building for future generations while creating new opportunities for people to visit, learn and enjoy one of our city's most treasured landmarks. It was inspiring to hear about the vision for the project and to see the care being taken to preserve such an important part of our heritage. Thank you to the National Trust's Rebecca Burton, Regional Director and Andy Semple, Assistant Director (pictured) for hosting my visit.
This week we received the findings of an Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC), inspection on Bath and North East Somerset Local Area SEND Partnership and services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Children, young people and families remain at the heart of everything the partnership does and I welcome the report. It acknowledges the dedication, professionalism and commitment shown across our services. It also recognises the growing influence of the Parent Carer Forum and the partnership's commitment to listening to lived experience. We will continue working closely with families as we deliver the improvements identified in the report.
Looking ahead, cabinet will meet on 10 September to consider the next stage of our Draft Local Plan. This is a document that sets out where new homes, jobs and key infrastructure could be built across Bath and North East Somerset over the next 20 years.
We need to plan more homes in Bath and North East Somerset, but homes do not exist in isolation. The people living in them need healthcare, schools, places to meet, transport links to jobs and education and the infrastructure that supports thriving communities.
The government has imposed a requirement for 27,324 homes over 18 years. We had no choice over that figure and we remain concerned that the unique characteristics of our area, including our World Heritage status and the extent of our Green Belt, have not been taken into account in the way we would have hoped.
The reality is that a large number of homes are likely to be built in our area. Our only choice is whether we plan for that growth or leave ourselves at the mercy of developers. Without a Local Plan, there is less influence over where homes are built, what type of homes are built and how the infrastructure needed alongside them is delivered.
You can read more about the Draft Local Plan on our newsroom. If approved at cabinet it will go out for a six-week consultation from September 14 which will be the final opportunity for you to comment before it is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination.
Together, we can help shape a future for Bath and North East Somerset that supports our communities, protects what we value most and creates opportunities for generations to come. Have a great weekend. Councillor Kevin Guy,
Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council |
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 | A draft Local Plan setting out where new homes, jobs and key infrastructure could be built across Bath and North East Somerset over the next 20 years will be considered by councillors on 10 September. The plan aims to make sure growth happens in the right places, with the schools, healthcare, transport and community facilities needed to support it. |
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 | One of Bath’s most popular events that boosts the local economy by up to £64m each year and attracts more than 440,000 visitors has been given permanent planning permission. |
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 | Bath and North East Somerset Local Area SEND Partnership has welcomed the findings of an inspection into services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which recognises strong partnership working, effective early help services and significant work to improve outcomes and experiences for children, young people and families. |
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 | A roofer who swindled vulnerable residents across the South West and Wales out of more than £41,000 by overcharging for poor-quality roofing work has been handed a prison sentence following a prosecution by Bath & North East Somerset Council. |
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 | Residents, commuters and visitors are being asked to share their views and help shape the future of Bath’s Park & Ride.
Bath & North East Somerset Council wants to hear from everyone, whether they use Park & Ride regularly, occasionally or not at all. The survey asks about travel habits, how often people use Park & Ride, what they use it for, what works well and where improvements could be made. |
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 | Bath and North East Somerset residents are being urged to look out for an email or letter from the council asking them to check their household voter details, so everyone who is eligible to vote can have their say in future elections. |
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 | Bath & North East Somerset Council is proposing to transform the way it works to improve outcomes for residents, strengthen communities and make sure services are sustainable for the future. |
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Cost of livingWorried about the cost of living? Help is out there. There is a dedicated Cost of Living section on Live Well B&NES, including cost of living support (benefits, energy, food, debt, childcare, and mental health), support services and organisations, paying for care and support and 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. |
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Energy at HomeOur 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. |
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Social tariffsFor 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 |
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Employment support and skills |
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Achieve
Achieve in B&NES provides local residents with the latest updates, events and opportunities around employment, skills and learning in their local communities. Working with providers, employers and community groups, they support and run a variety of projects that help people access the guidance and support they need.
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Health, wellbeing and support |
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Livewell B&NESLive Well B&NES is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to families, adults needing care or support and parent carers with a child/young person with additional needs (SEND), living in B&NES. |
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Community Wellbeing HubThe Community Wellbeing Hub provides many services that support your health and wellbeing needs. It works with partners to ensure you get the right support at the right time. One contact to the Hub can connect you to multiple services. 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. |
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Public healthTo 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. |
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Hicks Gate Fire Station, Keynsham
19 September
11am to 3pm
There is no on-site parking so please consider using public transport.
