| Pictured at the Keynsham Recycling Hub l-r Councillor Kevin Guy, with Farrans’ Glenn Gilmore Regional Director, Gerard McNamee Project Manager and Clare Taylor Contract Manager. |
|
A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
This evening (Thursday 9 May) sees our last cabinet meeting of this current Council, prior to the elections on 4 May. Reports to this meeting highlight the progress the council has been making in delivering its priorities.
As you know we’ve adopted as a core policy tackling the climate and ecological emergency and a report sets out the huge progress we have made. The latest data shows there’s been a 44% decrease in carbon emissions across the district since 2015 and the council itself has cut its own emissions by 68% over the past twelve years.
However, there is a lot more to be done, particularly in improving transport, as it currently accounts for 29% of carbon emissions in our area. A crucial part of this is having an effective bus service that people can rely on. Cabinet will discuss a recommendation to ask the West of England Metro Mayor for a review of options for ‘franchising’ bus services across the West of England. This would see the current fragmented bus system be replaced by a ”London- style” system where there is more control over services and fares to provide an easy-to-understand network.
Also crucial to tackling the climate emergency is continuing to increase our already high recycling rates even higher. On Tuesday I was delighted to visit the Keynsham Recycling Hub site. Work is almost finished on the first phase of the Keynsham Recycling Hub, which will see the new Reuse and Recycling Centre open later in the year.
The new recycling centre will offer improved facilities including options to recycle additional materials including mattresses and hard plastics. The council anticipate being able to announce an opening date shortly. The Midland Road recycling centre in Bath will remain open until an alternative Bath site is in place. When the Midland Road site is vacated, it will be released to build new homes supported by Homes England grant funding.
We’re also discussing at cabinet the future of two landmark buildings that currently detract from the vitality of the city centre ‒ the listed King Edwards School Building, (which has lain empty for thirty-seven years) and the Old Post Office Block, where we will consider introducing short-term lettings while a scheme to redevelop the building to house the Fashion Museum is progressed.
Last week it was a pleasure to welcome our partners from the Great Spa Towns of Europe to Bath. The presence of the General Assembly in Bath has given us another opportunity to mark our city’s status as one of the very finest historic spa towns in Europe.
Have a good weekend.
|
|
| Yesterday was #NoSmokingDay – but our message to smokers remains the same: It’s never too late to quit and feel the benefits of better health. From reducing the risk of at least 16 cancers, stroke, COPD & dementia, a smoker's health improves from the moment of quitting. Not only that, you can also save a lot of money. Visit the NHS website. |
|
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. |
|
Need a little extra help with your water bill?
With the rising cost of living, many are worried about being able to afford household bills. Wessex water has financial help and support available. Have a look at the schemes on offer, below, which can be tailored to your individual circumstances:
- Reduced bill – if you’re in financial difficulty, your water bill can be reduced based on your ability to pay
- Bill cap scheme (WaterSure) – a limit on the amount you pay
- If you receive one of the main means-tested benefits or tax credits and either:
- receive child benefit for three or more children under 19 living in your household
- have someone in the household with a medical condition that causes them to use more water
- Discount for low-income pensioners - If you’re a pensioner with a low income, you could be entitled to a discount on your water and/or sewerage bill.
- Debt support scheme – if you’re behind on your water bills and are in debt, you can get help.
- Flexible payment plan – if you only need short-term help. A flexible payment plan might be suitable.
- Payment break – if you’ve had a change of circumstances, such as waiting to hear about a Universal Credit application. You can take a payment break.
- Trial a water meter – many customers find having a water meter makes bills cheaper as you only pay for what you use.
- Extra free help: Priority Services – We know that sometimes you or someone you care about may need a little help. We can communicate with you in the way you choose. Or support you if you are without water.
To find out more or apply for support, contact your water company. Wessex Water: 0345 600 3600 | Wessex Water website. If you’re unsure who your water supplier is, find out using the Water UK postcode checker. |
|
COVID-19 vaccination spring programme
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has confirmed its advice for a 2023 spring coronavirus (COVID-19) booster programme. In January 2023, the committee advised preparations should begin for potential booster programmes in spring and autumn this year, with further details to be announced at a later date.
The committee has since advised that a spring booster dose should be offered to:
- Adults aged 75 years and over
- Residents in a care home for older adults
- Individuals aged 5 years and over who are immunosuppressed
Eligible individuals will be offered the vaccine around six months after their previous dose and NHS England will confirm operational details for the programme in due course. Read more here. |
|
Covid and flu vaccination clinics
It’s not too late to get your first and second dose of Covid-19 vaccination, or your flu vaccination. Check the NHS website for Covid -19 vaccination eligibility, or for the flu vaccination, or to find a local walk-in clinic. There are currently no Covid-19 booster doses available to anyone. When they do become available, they will be offered to people who are at increased risk from Covid-19 following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
If your school-aged child has missed their flu vaccine, please call 0300 247 0082 to organise how this can be re-arranged. If you have a child who is not yet of school age and they still need a flu vaccination, please contact your GP surgery. |
|
Fashion Museum Bath moves collection to temporary home at Dents
The Fashion Museum Bath is pleased to announce that its world-class collection has found a temporary home at luxury glovemaker Dents Headquarters in Warminster while it works to create a new museum at the Old Post Office in the centre of Bath. |
|
International Women’s Day marked with new videos
The Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery celebrated International Women’s Day yesterday (8 March 2023), with the release of two new additions to their latest YouTube video series, focusing on Roman women and female artists. |
|
Progress on Midsomer Norton regeneration project
A project to transform Midsomer Norton Town Hall is progressing at pace as part of the wider £2.5m High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) to regenerate the town centre. |
|
Progress made in renewable energy generation
Significant and rapid progress in tackling the Climate and Ecological Emergencies has been made by the council over the past year. |
|
Bath hosts Great Spa Towns of Europe Assembly
Delegates from some of Europe’s finest spa towns have been meeting this week in Bath, for the second General Assembly of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. |
|
New arts and community space opens in Keynsham
Community groups and local businesses in Keynsham are being offered the use of an affordable and flexible space to hold events thanks to the transformation of a vacant property near the high street. |
|
Drop-in service offers May elections ID help
Residents without accepted photo ID, who want to vote at the polling station in the local elections on 4 May, can call into Bath & North East Somerset Council offices to get help applying for a Voter Authority Certificate. |
|
Roots to wellbeing
If you're feeling disconnected from others, from nature, or from feeling calm, why not come along and reconnect at Roots to Wellbeing. Come along to Brickfields Park for two hours every Tuesday afternoon (12:30-2:30pm) and spend reconnecting with others and with nature. Sessions are free and lunch, refreshments and transport are all provided. They're also full accessible and suitable for all mobility levels. Sign up here, or email Sara for more information. |
|
The Library at Home service
If you, or someone you know is unable to visit the library, why not try the Library at Home service. This is a great way to connect with new friends and volunteers through a love of reading. You can access books and audiobooks, regardless of your situation. To find out more visit here. Alternatively, you can email. |
|
Public health newsletter
To keep up to date with the latest public health news stories across Bath and North East Somerset, including upcoming events and other information, subscribe to the public health monthly newsletter. You can also browse previous editions of the public health newsletter. |
|
Employment & Skills Pod
Are you returning to work after a short or long break? Perhaps you are already in work and planning to change the direction of your career? The Employment & Skills Pod can help you find the right opportunities. Call now on 0300 247 0050 or you can email us. You can also find out more on the website. |
|
Future Bright
Future Bright offers FREE career coaching, training and support to help you develop the skills and confidence you need to take your next step. Read some of the inspiring stories from those who have progressed with their careers with support from their Future Bright Careers Coach. Visit the Future Bright website to find out more or call 01225 395555. |
|
Live Well B&NES: information for all
Live Well B&NES is a web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to Bath & North East Somerset residents. It provides useful information, signposting and resources for families, including Ofsted registered childcare, children and young people with additional needs (our SEND Local Offer) and adults needing care or support to live independently.
Information, services and groups are regularly added to Live Well B&NES. If you work with, support, provide services or run groups for children and young people or for adults needing care or support and haven’t already registered ‒ make sure you’re included. It’s free and takes less than five minutes to register. Find out more or email the LWB team. |
|
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Bath Mind is here for everyone living in B&NES, offering wellbeing groups and courses, befriending, breathing space crisis support, safe space youth group, and affordable 1:1 counselling.
For more information, support resources and to self-refer, visit the website, or call our Access Community Mental Health Team who can help you access the most suitable support for your needs: Freephone 0808 175 1369 or you can email. |
|
Specialised dementia groups in B&NES
Age UK Bath & North East Somerset run specialised Dementia Groups in the district. These groups are a safe, fun environment for people to come for activities and friendship. Find out more here or call 01225 466135.
The Alzheimer’s Society also runs a series of support services for people across Bath and North East Somerset. For more information, email us. |
|
Do you look after someone else?
If you support someone who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction or who needs extra help as they grow older, Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre is here for you. Their friendly team will listen to any concerns you have, offer practical advice and access to free wellbeing activities to ensure you’re happy and healthy in your caring role. Contact our freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email us. We’re available 9am-1pm, every weekday. |
|
Support from Community Wellbeing Hub
Anybody who is a resident of Bath and North East Somerset can benefit from support from the Community Wellbeing Hub. The team offer a range of support services such as mental health, returning home from hospital, income, housing and benefits advice, emergency food, as well as lifestyle services for help with stopping smoking, getting active or losing weight. Opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm. Call the Hub on 0300 247 0050 or text 07870 868368. You can also email or visit the website.
If you need to contact the council about its services please ring Council Connect on 01225 394041 or email us. |
|
Domestic abuse
Southside provides help to people who live in Bath & North East Somerset who are at risk of domestic violence and abuse. The working hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Thursday, and 9am-4pm Fridays. Local support services can be found here. |
|
Sight loss support
Sight Support West of England provides emotional and practical support to help people adjust to living with sight loss. To find out more, or make an appointment please call 0117 3224885 or email. For more information on the full range of services, visit the website. For more useful information visit the RNIB website. |
|
|
|
