Bath Echo - Issue 045 - 14/02/2023

Bath City FC seeking permission for 3G pitch - P2

£14m of savings won't have a “massive effect”

COUNCIL tax in Bath and North East Somerset will go up by 4.99% but the council say most of the more than £14m of cuts and savings won’t have a “massive effect” on people.

set Council, said: “I think we all know that the national economic situation is dire. Like everyone else, we are feeling the impacts of inflation.”

But he insisted: “We are still going to be building council houses. We are going to continue the liveable neighbourhoods program.”

He added: “The ability to do all that is because we have been able to keep a tight hold on the council finances over the last four years.”

For a band D property, the council tax rise means paying an extra £78.60 a year.

Mr Samuel said: “In recognition of the impact on our most vulnerable residents we are changing the rules on Local Council Tax Support to enable more people to access the scheme.”

In total, the council is making £14.38m of cuts and savings in order to balance its budget.

But Mr Samuel claimed: “Most

of the things that are put in that list to save £14m are not going to have a massive impact on the public.”

The largest single saving included in the council’s plans is saving £4.8m from social care contributions to a learning disabilities budget it shares with the NHS. But Mr Samuel said “it’s not unusual to change the boundaries” of the funding contributions.

Continued on page 2

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Councillor Richard Samuel, the cabinet member for resources on Bath and North East Somer-

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

Crossword P7

Community P10

Health P11

Education P12

Business P14

Politics P15

In Other News P16

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Cuts planned despite 4.99% council tax increase

Continued from page 1

He said: “Clients will not notice any difference in the services at all.”

The council also insisted there would be “no impact” on Bath’s Remembrance service.

These commemorations, along with other events, will no longer be funded by the council, but instead by Bath’s charter trustees, the group responsible for some ceremonial functions in place of a city council.

This is expected to save the council £27,000, but they say that this brings the funding of Bath’s Remembrance Sunday in line with

how they are funded in other towns in the district.

At a late stage in determining the budget, the local authority decided to find an extra £281,000 to protect supported bus services in Bath, and extend five in North East Somerset until June. However, no buses in North East Somerset will be supported beyond this. Other funding announced in the budget includes £1.1 million to meet the demand for home to school transport, and £2.1 million for children’s services. The budget proposals will go before a full council meeting for approval on 21st February.

Plans revealed for 3G pitch at Twerton Park site

BATH City Football Club is seeking permission to install a 3G pitch at Twerton Park as part of long-term efforts to make it a more sustainable business.

A planning application will be submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council for the new pitch, which would help to reduce income that is lost when matches are postponed as well as provide an additional revenue stream.

The football club, which hosts a men’s and women’s team, an Academy, a youth football club and The Bath City FC Foundation charity, has said numerous community programmes would use the pitch.

In addition, the 3G pitch would also be made available for hire by other sports clubs, schools, businesses and individuals.

The transformation of the pitch is part of long-term ambitions to redevelop the whole Twerton Park site alongside Bath-based Rengen Developments.

A proposed development with Greenacre Capital which would have seen the site regenerated was refused in 2020.

If the latest application is successful and funding arrangements are put in place, the club aims to install the new

pitch at the end of this season, in time for 2023/24, or if delayed, the following close season. The refused development in 2020 included a 3G pitch, however the Bath City FC board has decided to push forward with plans for the pitch alone ahead of further

exploration for the future of the Twerton Park site.

During a consultation process in 2018, 89% (226) of Supporters Society members backed the adoption of a 3G pitch against 11% (28) who opposed the proposals.

Holocaust victims remembered at ceremony

A CEREMONY was held in Bath on Friday 27th January to commemorate the 78th Annual International Holocaust Memorial Day, with a special plaque unveiled at Mulberry Park.

The Mayor of Bath Cllr Rob Appleyard joined Curo, the B&NES Faith Foundation, the Friends of Bath Jewish Burial Ground and the Combe Down Heritage Society in remembrance.

Representatives unveiled a plaque and a newly planted tree dedicated to all those that were persecuted during the Holocaust.

The Mayor said: “We come together to remember and pay homage to those who lost their lives during the Holocaust. Their memory will live on through acts of kindness and compassion towards others.”

Mulberry Park, Curo’s flagship development, is located in close proximity to the historic Bath Jewish Burial Ground and has a strong connection with its neighbours.

Cllr Sarah Bevan, Patron of the

B&NES Faith Foundation and daughter of a Holocaust survivor said: “Could we play a bigger role in challenging prejudice today –it’s the normal, the routine, that can build to tragedy if unchallenged and accepted as ordinary.”

Nathan Hartley, Director of the B&NES Faith Foundation and organiser of the event, said: “Coming together each year to mark Holocaust Memorial Day is key to ensuring we never forget the events of the past and can learn from them to create a better future. Thank you to everyone who took part this year.”

Christina Hilsenrath, Chair of the Friends of Bath Jewish Burial Ground said: “In remembering the Holocaust, we honour the strength and resilience of those who survived and pay tribute to those who did not.

“Let us use International Holocaust Memorial Day as a time to recommit ourselves to creating a more just and compassionate world for all people.”

The ceremony concluded with

the guests making their way to Curo’s Marketing Suite, where refreshments were provided and people had the opportunity to reflect on the significance of the day.

Jodie Winter, Sales Manager at Curo, said: “With the support of our friends at the B&NES Faith Foundation, and the Friends of Bath Jewish Burial Ground, Curo

have planted this tree and are unveiling this plaque as a tribute to the millions who suffered and died under the Nazi regime.”

“Today, we remember the victims of the Holocaust and with the planting of this tree, resolve to water the seeds of kindness and compassion in the world.

“Let’s make the world a brighter place, one seed at a time.”

Previous plans to redevelop Twerton Park were refused in 2020

The Guildhall entrance in Bath | Photo © chrisdorney / Shutterstock.com

Unveiling the new plaque at Mulberry Park | Photo © Rebecca Faith Photo

Metro Mayor helps celebrate 20 years of the Bath Rugby Foundation

Exemption period for Bath’s Clean Air Zone set to end in March

A SPECIAL reception was held for West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris as the Bath Rugby Foundation kicked off its 20th birthday celebrations.

Mr Norris visited the Recreation Ground in Bath for a cakecutting ceremony with staff and volunteers as well as some of the 26 young Bathonians benefitting from an award-winning ‘alternative provision’ schools project led by Bath Rugby Club’s community arm.

Bath Rugby Foundation Chief Executive Lynne Fernquest shared some of the charity’s history with the Mayor as he met some of the 16-24-year-olds taking part in the award-winning programme run in partnership with Bath College for those who traditional schooling is not catering for.

Mr Norris learnt how the youngsters are gaining qualifications, work experience and life skills ensuring they can get back into school, college or employment, with cooking with

professional chefs and training with Olympic medal winning athletes on offer. Ahead of the ceremony, Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “School is fantastic, but it isn’t for everyone. The service Bath Rugby Foundation provide youngsters in this great city is invaluable.

“Cake on The Rec – what a great way to mark two decades of a charity that helps thousands of young Bathonians each year, every year.

“Sport has a unique power to change lives and it is a credit to Lynne and her team when you see the great work they do in the community. Here’s to the next 20 years!”.

Lynne Fernquest added: “Bath Rugby Foundation is proud to welcome West of England Combine Authority Mayor, Dan Norris, to its home at The Rec.

“It’s our 20th birthday later this year, and it’s brilliant to kick off the celebrations with this visit.

The Mayor met some of our students and this is recognition

of the tens of thousands of young lives we have impacted since 2003.

“Annually Bath Rugby Foundation builds confidence, develops skills and creates independent pathways for around 3,000 children and young adults, and our Alternative Learning Hub, which caters for 14-24-yearolds disengaged with traditional education, is where some of the most powerful change takes place.

“Bath Rugby Foundation is Bath Rugby’s official charity, but it really belongs to the people of Bath, without whose generosity we couldn’t make the difference we do.”

Changing the lives of around 3,000 young people annually through their 12 community programmes, Bath Rugby Foundation was launched in 2003 after England won the Rugby World Cup and has grown to become a 20-strong team working with schools, colleges, and businesses across the region.

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

BLUE Badge holders will need to pay the charge to enter Bath’s Clean Air Zone from 15th March as the exemption period comes to an end.

The city’s clean air zone requires drivers of vehicles other than private cars and motorbikes to pay a charge to drive through the zone, which covers large parts of the city centre and adjacent areas, if they do not meet the council’s emissions standards.

Drivers with disabilities who hold Blue Badges were one of several groups able to apply for their vehicle to be exempt in the first two years of the Clean Air Zone, which came into force in 2021. But now the exemption period is almost up.

From 15th March, Blue Badge holders, wheelchair-accessible taxis, community health, education, social care workers, community transport, and people who got exemptions under the financial assistance scheme will all now have to pay the charge for the first time.

Bath and North East Somerset Council’s cabinet member for transport Manda Rigby said:

COLUMN | Mark Shelford, Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner

IWANT to start by thanking those who completed my precept survey and shared their thoughts about my proposal to increase the policing part of the council tax by £15 for the average band D household.

On Wednesday 1 February, the Police and Crime Panel supported my proposal to increase the precept.

This funding will help reduce the impact of Avon and Somerset Police’s funding gap but will still leave a projected deficit of £3.4 million in the year 2023/24 and £7.10 million in the year 2024/25.

I know that many households are facing difficult financial circum-

stances. However, as your PCC, it would have been irresponsible for me not to address the policing service’s funding gap and help reduce this deficit while I had the opportunity. We will be using the £3.4 million reserve funding to address the shortfall so that the Chief Constable has capacity to develop a sensible savings programme while still delivering an effective, efficient and legitimate service. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let me know – my contact details can be found on my website: www. avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk

With it being Valentine’s Day, Action Fraud is warning people to

stay vigilant as romance scams pick up the pace. With so many people using dating apps to meet their other halves, romance fraud is much more common than many of us realise.

Romance fraud involves fraudsters who masquerade as romantic partners. After laying the groundwork for a ‘relationship’ with a victim, the scammer will ask for ‘favours’ like sending them money, providing personal and financial information, or purchasing items for them. It isn’t hearts these fraudsters want to steal; it’s bank account balances. This is an awful, heart-breaking crime; victims invest time into

someone and think they have a genuine personal connection.

I know many victims feel ashamed when they realise romance fraud sters have scammed them.

If you fear you have been a victim of a scam and have sent money to someone, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.

On the topic of fraud, Avon and Somerset Police is one of the first police forces to invest in dedicated fraud and cyber protection teams committed to supporting fraud victims. There are between 800-1,000 reports of fraud and

“When we went with the first CAZ outside London, we were determined to introduce it as equitably as possible, whilst hitting its air quality targets.

“We were very and repeatedly clear about all the exemptions having a two year period from the start. Bristol had slightly over six months exempted period, Birmingham had none at all [for Blue Badge holders].

“It would be unfair on the 900+ residents who changed their vehicles with assistance from the finance scheme to help us all breathe cleaner air, if we didn’t do as initially shown in the scheme and changed the rules now for the very small minority who still have non compliant vehicles.”

Currently, there are 88 exemptions issued for Blue Badge holders, 27 of which are being actively used. 36 have not been used in the last three months and 25 have never been used.

The daily charge to enter the Clean Air Zone is £9 for taxis, minibuses, vans, pick-up trucks, and some campervans and fourby-fours, and £100 for coaches, buses, and HGVs.

Private HGVs like horsebox vans and motorhomes can have the £100 charge reduced to £9 if registered with the council.

cybercrime every month in Avon and Somerset alone and these are just the reported cases.

I know that there is still so much to do to tackle fraud, but Avon and Somerset Police’s fraud and cyber protection team is doing a brilliant job of providing and delivering consistent messaging.

I want our communities and, most importantly, residents who have already been victimised to understand this ever-changing crime and how they can prevent themselves from becoming victims.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris at the special reception | Photo © WECA

The Clean Air Zone boundary in Bath

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Save our scheduled RURAL bus services

768, 178, 179 & more

In March 2022, central government announced “Over £150 million provided to safeguard local transport.” It is hard to believe the local politicians involved in distributing this money have figured a way to reduce local services, but that is what they now propose.

Our local government, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and the council leaders of Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bristol passed a package of budget cuts that reduce local bus services. Every supported bus service in Norton Radstock and the Chew Valley is expected to be withdrawn by early June. These are the only bus services to and from:

Bishop Sutton Compton Martin Priston

Blagdon Dundry Publow

Camerton East Harptree Tunley

Chew Stoke Englishcombe Ubley

Chew Magna Nailwell West Harptree

Compton Dando Priddy Woollard

The budget cuts were approved while keeping ALL bus services in Bath where each stop is within walking distance from another bus route. We understand not a single Bath city area service running via the city centre will be affected or reduced for efficiency. This fact alone indicates a shocking weakness in the budgeting process used to allocate our tax money.

These cuts damage local businesses and rural communities. Consider the local bus companies and their employees, who have created a service that has worked so well for decades. For passengers affected by the cuts, a “demand responsive system” is planned. No details are available, but we understand the experts (the local bus companies) have so far not been involved in it or asked to tender for running it.

With a “demand responsive system”, travel time will depend on daily demand and will therefore be less reliable than a bus. More importantly, it will add to the time spent organising and travelling, and it will significantly reduce the quality of service -- no more being able to have a last-minute change of plans. Some will struggle to adapt. Some will be forced to drive, or get a taxi, adding to pollution and traffic.

Please help save our scheduled bus services. By adding your name to our petition, you can help raise the voices of those living in rural communities. Help us ensure that living rurally, doesn’t mean isolation and reduced services.

Pictures from the Past: Bath, City of Views

From the Abbey Tower

Kirsten Elliott Akeman Press

THIS week’s view is looking northwards from the tower of Bath Abbey, towards the previous viewpoint of Camden Crescent.

At first glance, very little seems to have changed. The spire of St Michael’s and the tower of St Stephen’s are particularly prominent, with the tower of Christchurch just appearing over the rooftops to the left, and the tower and spire of St Swithin’s clear against the dark background of Hedgemead Park. On the slopes of Lansdown and Camden, the Georgian terraces look very much as they do today. But the foreground of the photograph tells a different story.

On the west side of High Street, opposite the Guildhall, all the buildings except the one at the very bottom were demolished in 1964 and replaced with what was seen as a modernist replacement for Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Most notable was the one flying the Union Flag. Once the Greyhound Inn, this was where Samuel Taylor Coleridge turned up one stormy night, soaking wet and chilled, in a laudanum induced delirium, to be rescued by the innkeeper. It later became a printing works and then Cater, Stofell and Fortts grocery store.

To the left of the flag can be seen the pantiled roof of a pub, the Seven Stars, on the north side of Upper Borough Walls. The façade still remains.

On the east side of the road, the corner of Bridge Street has changed very little,

although it is now Mallory’s instead of cigar importer Frederick Wright’s premises.

To its right, above the glass roof of the Victoria Art Gallery, can be seen four pitched roofs, once part of the Northgate Brewery.

This was the biggest brewery in the West of England, with malthouses and storage on the other side of the river. It closed in 1868 and became a furniture store, eventually being demolished when the Podium was built on part of the site. Higher up the picture can be seen the distinctive chimneys of a malthouse. Beyond it is the cattle market which still stands, as does the tramshed, its whitetiled walls showing up clearly.

It was built on the site of another malthouse in 1903 for Bath Electric

Tramways (BET). Beyond the tramshed was the power station which provided electricity for the trams.

The 120 ft (36.6 metres) high steel chimney is very prominent. In a storm in January 1920, the top 12 ft (3.6 metres) collapsed, crashing through the boilerhouse roof. The power station was built on part of the old Walcot Foundry, and when BET took over the works, they continued to make drain covers and lamp posts.

To enjoy this view as part of a 360° panorama of the city, take a Bath Abbey Tower Tour – well worth the £10 charge. For details go to www.bathabbey.org and follow the links to tours. Alternatively, email towertours@ bathabbey.org or call 01225 303315 for more information or to book.

Council team celebrates helping more than 1,700 families

A TEAM from Bath & North East Somerset Council is celebrating ten years of success after helping more than 1,700 families improve their lives. The local authority’s Connecting Families team provides a range of support including getting children back into education, housing assistance and help with issues such as alcohol and

substance misuse with the aim of achieving better outcomes for the whole family. Families can also get help with returning to employment, ensuring they are receiving the correct benefit entitlements and debt advice. Specialist workers including a family mediation worker and an Afghan refugee worker are part of the team.

Regular training courses are available to help parents of teenagers navigate the tricky time of parenting young people. Since it was set up in 2012, the team has supported 1,723 families including 1,365 children and 927 adults.

One parent said: “Over the last five months he (their keyworker) has supported our family,

especially our daughter, to look for the positives and not to dwell in the past. He has had a positive impact on our whole family and we truly believe he has been sent to us for a reason. I am pleased to say that our daughter is flourishing, she is working hard at school, remaining in class and staying away from trouble.

The team is funded by the

council and the Government's Supporting Families programme. Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, and Communities, said: “We are delighted that so many families have been supported towards a better life over the past ten years, which is a huge achievement for our Connecting Families team.”

You can find the answers to last issue's crossword on page 16. Congratulations to Pauline Vincent for winning £20!

Crossword Competition!

For your chance to win £20, submit your full name, postal address and answers by email to puzzles@bathecho.co.uk and we'll enter you into our draw.

The winner will be the first randomly opened entry with the correct answers on 23/02/2023. Please note: We will not accept crossword entries to our postal address. The winner will be notified by the email address they use to enter this competition.

Dr Gene Kim

Real Bible Believers - Preaching & Teaching

FREE EVENT

Come & listen to this passionate Bible preacher from San Francisco California as he opens up the King James Bible!

Tuesday 28th February 2023

7.00pm (arrive for 6.30pm) – 9.30pm

Roper Theatre - Hayesfield Girls' School, Upper Oldfield Park, Bath BA2 3LA. Extra Parking at Hayesfield School, Brougham Hayes, Bath BA2 3QX which is a 5-7 minute walk.

This event is hosted by BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH www.biblebelievers.co.uk - bbi@testimonykjv.com

What's On

Steel Magnolias

The Theatre Royal

14th - 18th February, 7.30pm

The iconic play Steel Magnolias comes to Bath. Follow the trials and tribulations of six fierce and sassy women as they set the world to rights in their small town bustling beauty salon.

Charlotte & Theodore

The Ustinov Theatre

16th February – 18th March, 7.30pm

Meet Lotty and Teddy. Two dreamers – colleagues, lovers and then man and wife – determined to make a difference in their worlds, and to keep the spark in their relationship and their family alive.

Autism-Friendly Screening

The Little Theatre Cinema

19th February, 10.30am

A screening of Minions: The Rise of Gru at the Little Theatre Cinema especially for people on the autism spectrum or with other special needs and their families, friends and carers.

Concert for Oleksandriya, Ukraine

Bath Abbey

24th February, 7pm

Show unity and friendship for the people of Ukraine at a concert featuring Ukrainian singer Nicole Medin, Voices for Life Bath Children’s Choir, Canzona and the Trowbridge Philharmonic Choir.

The Merry Widow

The Roper Theatre

16th -18th February, 7.30pm

Set in Paris in 1905, The Merry Widow is a tonic to lift the spirits in midwinter. A glorious evening of romantic love rediscovered in the midst of pomposity, avarice and mistaken identity.

The Snow Beast

The Egg

18th & 19th February, 2.30pm

Welcome to the Seldomberg Science Fair. A captivating collision of storytelling, original music, puppetry and interactive science experiments, inspiring budding scientists of all ages.

Amy Williams

Topping & Company Booksellers

20th February, 7.30pm

Bath's Amy Williams MBE was the first British woman to win individual Winter Olympic Gold in 58 years when she did so in Vancouver in 2010. She will give a talk on her book Talent to Triumph.

Cycles

The Rondo Theatre

25th February, 8pm

Cycles is about identity, relationships and self-acceptance. Highlighting how generational trauma can not only cause lasting effects within us, but also can affect how we explore the world.

Bath Beer Festival

Widcombe Social Club

17th & 18th February

The 2023 Bath and Borders CAMRA Beer festival. Up to 30 real ales together with a selection of real ciders. Friday from 4pm-11 pm & Saturday from 11am-7pm. Tickets cost £9.

Bath BachFest

Various Locations

16th - 18th February

3-day 5-concert, mini music festival celebrating the work of Johann Sebastian Bach and his contemporaries. It attracts fine musicians and audiences from across the UK and well beyond.

Prue Leith: Nothing in Moderation

The Forum

22nd February, 7.30pm

In her first ever live show, Prue will take audiences through the ups and downs of being a successful restaurateur, novelist, businesswoman and Great British Bake Off judge.

Beginner’s Latin

Roman Baths

25th February, 10am-4pm

Always wanted to find out about Latin and how it influences the words we use? This is a day-course for real beginners but you’re also welcome if you’re not new to Latin.

Quentin Blake's Mister Magnolia

The Mission Theatre

17th & 18th February, 2pm & 6pm

Join Mister Magnolia on his wacky adventures, filled with colourful characters, live music, puppetry and audience interaction. Based on the book by Quentin Blake.

Bath Vintage Kilo Sale

Bath Pavilion

19th February, 10am - 4pm

The biggest vintage sale you've ever seen. Pick & mix your vintage clothing, all for £20 a kilo. Grab a biodegradable bag on entry and fill to your heart's content.

Eleanor McEvoy

Chapel Arts Centre

23rd February, 8pm

Having released her 16th album “Gimme Some Wine” to rave reviews at the end of 2021, Eleanor is back on the road following the release of her latest single “South Anne Street”.

Simon Brodkin: Screwed Up

Komedia

26th February, 8pm

Fresh from his sold-out Edinburgh Fringe run, world-famous prankster and Lee Nelson creator Simon Brodkin is back with an outrageous new stand-up show.

Locals struggling to afford food reminded about help on offer

PEOPLE across Bath and North East Somerset who are struggling with food insecurity are being reminded about the different options available to get help.

Foodbanks, food pantries, community cafes and community fridges are all available locally for people who need support to feed themselves and their families. Each service differs in what it offers and there are different routes to access each type of support which not everyone may be aware of, so Bath & North East Somerset Council is signposting people to the help available and how to get it.

A new ‘Affordable Food in B&NES’ matrix has been added to the Bath and North East Somerset Food finder website listing all the food clubs and pantries that offer affordable food or emergency food parcels and their opening times and days covering Monday to Saturday each week.

The food support available includes:

Foodbanks – These are free at the point of use and for emergencies where food is urgently needed because a household has little or nothing. They provide mainly store-cupboard ingredients in packs designed to last a household three days and contents can be tailored to people’s needs. A referral and voucher are

needed from the council’s welfare support team, the Community Wellbeing Hub or a third party organisation.

Food is sourced through donations and additional support services including money advice are often available.

Food Pantries and Food Clubs

– People on very low incomes can join as a member and do part of their weekly shop at very discounted prices. On average, £3-£5 will buy around £15-£20 worth of high-quality foods including fresh, chilled and frozen. Additional support services are often available.

Community Fridges or Larders

– Free food is provided on a ‘lucky dip’ basis to anyone in need and no referral or membership is needed. Some community fridges also have freezers so can help to distribute fresh, chilled, frozen and ambient food, often near use-by dates.

Community larders usually stock ambient foods only.

These services also reduce food waste. Many carry leaflets signposting people to other support services.

Community Cafés – These provide healthy eating options at a low cost and help reduce social isolation by bringing people together. They are usually within organisations offering other support services and often offer

employment or work experience to people who are vulnerable or who have additional needs.

Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, and Communities, said: “As the cost of living crisis continues to grip the country, the soaring costs of energy and food are driving increasing numbers of people to seek food support –some of whom have never before had to rely on others.

“That’s why it’s so important that people know when and where they can get help if they need it.

“The affordable food chart on the B&NES Food Finder is a single point of reference where people can see the services that are available and on what days, which will hopefully make it easier to choose the type of food needed.

“Working with partner organisations and the many volunteers in B&NES, we are committed to doing all we can to support people in these times of hardship.

“You can also get help from our welfare support team and the Community Wellbeing Hub.”

There are also food-sharing apps that people can download for free including Olio and Too Good To Go.

People can donate nonperishable food items to local foodbanks at all major

supermarkets, now including Lidl, and some of the local stores. They will have guides to the foods that are most needed. Bath Foodbank can receive financial donations which can be made online. Drop-off or collection of substantial food donations, from organisations, can be arranged via info@bath. foodbank.org.uk or by calling 01225 463549.

Keynsham Foodbank and Somer Valley Foodbank also accept financial or food donations and welcomes volunteers.

Children who go to a maintained school or academy in Bath and North East Somerset and whose household receives certain benefits may be eligible for benefit-related free school meals. Help to afford the basics such as food, energy costs, and

household items is available from the council’s Welfare Support Scheme.

The council’s Live Well B&NES website has a dedicated Cost of Living Crisis section, including:

• Cost of living support (benefits, energy, food, debt, childcare, & mental health)

• Support services and organisations

• Paying for care and support, planning for future care costs

The Community Wellbeing Hub can be contacted Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Call 0300 247 0050.

Citizens Advice Bath & North East Somerset offers free, confidential, expert advice on benefits, debt, family, housing and more. Offices can be found in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton, or call free on 0808 278 7897.

More than £30,000 of funding set to support organisations

MORE than £30,000 has been awarded to charitable and community organisations across the Bath area to help tackle carbon emissions and fuel poverty.

This year, the Bath & West Community Energy Fund is supporting eleven organisations. Community-owned Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) develops renewable energy projects and runs energy demand programmes for local benefit.

For the ninth year running, it has given a portion of its surplus income from renewable energy generation to the independently run BWCE Fund for the benefit of the community.

The Quartet Community Foundation administers the grant programme on behalf of the BWCE Fund.

The grants will be used by local charitable and community organisations on a range of important projects, intended to cut carbon emissions, reduce energy bills and waste and help with the cost-of-living crisis by tackling fuel poverty.

Sophie Hooper Lea, Chair of Trustees for the Bath & West Community Energy Fund: “Like so many of us, local charities are

becoming more environmentally conscious and want to play their part in reducing carbon emissions in their own organisations and within local communities.

“The BWCE Fund provides funding for projects that are climate-friendly, which often has the added benefit of saving money during the cost of living crisis.

“Since 2015 the BWCE Fund grant programme, administered by Quartet Community Foundation, has awarded 91 grants worth over £238,000. Those grants have all gone to local organisations doing vital work to benefit our local communities as well as the environment.”

Angela Emms, Philanthropy Manager at Quartet Community Foundation, added: “We know that the local charitable sector is under pressure due to the cost of living crisis. Many local projects are facing growing demand twinned with falling income.

“We’re delighted we can help the BWCE Fund award these grants to groups across the B&NES area.

“Many of the projects this year will help protect the environment while enabling people to reduce their fuel bills and energy consumption in a low carbon way.”

Jo Dolby from Oasis Hub Bath, which will benefit from BWCE funding, said: “We’re so grateful for this BWCE Fund grant which will make a huge difference to our pantry members, who have been hit particularly hard by the cost of living crisis.

“The grant will enable us to distribute a slow cooker and heated blanket to each member, helping them keep warm and save money on their energy bills.”

Penny McKissock MBE from the Southside Family Project added:

“We are very grateful to BWCE for this timely grant for Southside.

“It will enable our team to support families experiencing fuel poverty, helping them to use their energy more efficiently and reduce their energy bills. This will benefit families significantly during the cost of living crisis and difficult winter.

“We will provide targeted advice and support, alongside energy saving packs, including radiator reflectors, draught excluders and energy saving bulbs, tailored to their needs. We will be able to support families to reduce energy/other waste and understand simple ways to make their home more energy efficient.”

The funded projects across the local area include:

• £4,908 to Southside Family Project for fuel debt advice and energy efficiency training for Southside Support Workers. Helping families reduce energy use, alongside the provision of energy-saving packs.

• £5,000 to Bath City Farm for an air source heat pump to supply heating and hot water to the main community farm building.

• £2,650 to Bath Share & Repair to invest in a thermal imaging camera and put together materials to support a number of workshops in partnership with community organisations aimed at helping people to learn to save energy and reduce fuel costs.

• £1,800 to Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon for a feasibility study of a proposed new traffic-free, multi-user greenway between Bradford on Avon and Trowbridge.

• £1,200 to Climate Hub Bath & North East Somerset toward the development of a physical Climate Hub in Bath that can act as a focus for climate action work locally.

• £1,600 to Fairfield House toward implementing the Fairfield House Sustainability plans to improve the energy efficiency of the bungalow on site.

• £2,700 to Keynsham Community Energy to provide slow cookers and energy efficiency advice to parents at Keynsham Children’s centre, reducing people’s energy bills and cutting CO2 emissions.

• £1,100 to Kidical Mass Bath for free learn-to-cycle sessions for families and adults (all levels of riders). To learn, practise and gain confidence in cycling, with the support of expert coaches and free access to loan bikes.

• £4,875 to Oasis Hub Bath to provide slow cookers, slow cooker recipe books and heated over-blankets for food pantry members this winter.

• £2,472 to SWALLOW for the group’s Energy Saving project that will make information easy to understand for people with learning disabilities

• £3,200 to Transition Bath for a paid student intern to grow Eco Together climate empowerment. This project will help form new Eco Together groups.

Watchdog finds mental health services are “insufficient”

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

MENTAL health services in Bath and North East Somerset are “insufficient” at meeting people’s needs, a health watchdog has said.

A report by Healthwatch into mental health services during the pandemic in Bath and North East Somerset, together with Swindon and Wiltshire, with whom the area runs services, found that: “mental health services are insufficient in meeting the needs of the populations.”

People praised voluntary organisations but had more negative experiences with health and care services.

The report said that more training and support was needed, particularly in trauma, eating disorders, and children’s services. A central issue was that people felt it was too difficult to access services.

One person told the survey: “People go from one crisis to the next. [You ] can only get in hospital now if you’re sectioned.”

The report said there was “an urgent need for more trauma informed services.”

Breakthrough, who provide specialist trauma therapy in Twerton, reported a doubling in referrals in 2021 compared to 2020.

Meanwhile, Julian House, which provides outreach for people homeless in Bath, said that everyone in their Manvers Street hostel required support for underlying trauma.

Bath Carer’s Centre said carers’ mental health had suffered during the pandemic, and that 2021 had been even worse than 2020.

The report stated: “A number of carers reported being traumatised by the experience of caring during the pandemic when support services were reduced, schools shut down, and having reduced family support.”

Several people told the survey there was a lack of services for eating disorders, and that support for this was better at Southmead Hospital in Bristol than at Bath’s Royal United Hospital.

One survey respondent said: “The RUH needs to be more geared towards eating disorder provision. Essentially the Bath area should have an eating disorder unit and outpatients service.”

The Healthwatch report also highlighted the findings of a recent Youth Connect South West report which raised the need to signpost services for children and young people so they know what they can access.

One young person said: “We need more help and more education

Building society to support Mind charity

BATH Building Society has announced its new charity of the year for 2023 as Bath Mind, which supports the mental health of people across the local area.

Staff at the building society were asked to nominate a charity close to their heart, who they believe do great work in the community and would like to see as the partner for the next year.

Three charities were shortlisted, with Bath Mind named the winner.

Bath Mind is a local and independently run mental health charity which supports people across Bath and North East Somerset.

While the charity, which was established in 1998, is affiliated with the national Mind charity, they run entirely independently and receive no direct funding. Instead, Bath Mind relies heavily on local fundraising to help support people in need throughout the community.

Bath Mind aims to promote and nurture the mental health of residents through the provision of information, activities, advice

and support. Services include a crisis telephone support line, mental health support in local A&E departments, community services, counselling, wellbeing groups, supported living and mental health training in the workplace and educational establishments.

Hannah Roper, Director of Business Development, said: “We at Bath Mind are thrilled to be chosen as Bath Building Society’s charity of the year.

“As a local independent charity, local support means a great deal and during these challenging times, their support will be vital to ensure we can continue to provide our essential mental health services to the B&NES community. We are proud to be working with an organisation that also shares our ethos and values, and very much look forward to working with BBS throughout the year to not only raise funds but raise awareness too.”

Kevin Gray, CEO of Bath Building Society, said: “This year we included our Members in the voting process, and we are delighted with the results.”

surrounding help and where to find it.”

Another added: “I would like someone to talk to who isn’t family, friends or school.”

Issues young people had with the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service were also raised. Some young people found its Keynsham location inaccessible and the waiting times too long.

Waiting times were one of the main themes in the barriers to accessing mental health services. Multiple people stressed that

it was important to get support quickly and not just when in crisis, as waiting months can lead to things getting worse. The report was delivered to Bath and North East Somerset’s Health and Wellbeing board on 24th January.

Dine Romero, the chair of the board and the council’s cabinet member for children, young people, and communities, said:

“The board welcomed this report which highlighted in particular the experience of people using

mental health services during the Covid pandemic. We recognised that mental health partners for this area need to work together to improve people’s experience of those using mental health services. We have asked for further updates on mental health provision for a future Health & Wellbeing board meeting.” If you need to speak to someone, Samaritans can be contacted for free at any time at 116 123. You can also text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for their text line.

New joint provider set to take over the region’s NHS 111 phone service

A NEW joint provider will be taking over the running of the NHS 111 phone service from April across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

Practice Plus Group (PPG) will take on the running of NHS 111, and work in partnership with Medvivo, to provide the service for people looking for quick health and care advice over the phone.

DHU Healthcare, which currently works with Medvivo to deliver the 111 service, will step down from its role when its current contract expires.

New joint-provider PPG already manages NHS 111 services in Bristol, North Somerset and Gloucestershire.

The change in provider will have no impact on the way in which local people access the service, with those in need of advice and care over the phone still able to call 111 from any landline or mobile.

Gill May, Chief Nurse, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “We are pleased

a new joint provider has been appointed, and we look forward to working with PPG as the local 111 service is a critical element of on-the-day advice and support.”

Liz Rugg, Chief Executive at Medvivo, said: “We are delighted to be working with PPG so that we can combine our local knowledge and expertise with a team who has significant scale and made a demonstrable commitment to the south west.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire DHU team for all their hard work as our partner since November 2021, and for their ongoing support until PPG commences in April.”

The employment of current DHU Healthcare staff, who are based in Chippenham, will transfer to the Practice Plus Group at the same time as the new contract begins in April.

A report found that mental health services didn't meet the needs of people across the region

The new provider will be taking over the service from April

University partnership to create network for social enterprises

A NEW partnership between Bath Spa University and 3SG has seen the launch of the Bath Social Impact Network, which is set to improve and grow the social economy in the district. Created with social enterprises at the heart, along with B Corps, CICs, co-ops, and those interested in the work of these types of organisations, the Bath Social Impact Network will provide the support needed to flourish through collaboration and idea generation.

Members will also have the opportunity to attend networking events, forge new business relationships, find out about external funding, and gain access to specialised training sessions and workshops.

Bath Spa University is one of only five higher education establishments in the UK to have received a Gold Mark Social Enterprise, and brings expertise, as well as specialised experience in social value and entrepreneurship.

The Network’s in-person events will be hosted by Bath Spa University, beginning with a launch evening on Thursday 23rd February at the University’s Locksbrook campus.

Professor Andy Salmon, Pro-Vice Chancellor External at Bath Spa University said: “We aim to bring

together those working for good in the region because we are stronger as one.

“Contemporary challenges are complex, and opportunities will only be unlocked by collaboration across traditional borders.

“Our message is clear – we’re here for you, in mutually supportive environments, journeying together, one idea at a time.

“Importantly, this network is a first for Bath – there are networks for the third sector and charities, but not one specifically for social enterprises.

“Working with 3SG, we are committed to addressing this gap and we’re excited about the positive impact that we know will come from bringing together great minds in this special city.

“All are welcome to join us for the launch event. During the evening, you’ll hear from partners and key stakeholders about the plans for the future.

“There will also be time for

Free English classes for Ukrainian refugees

meeting other attendees and for you to share your ideas on what you’d like from the network.” Complementing the University with a strong track record of managing existing networks in the region, 3SG is an independent membership network supporting the charity, social enterprise, faith and voluntary sector, operating in Bath and North East Somerset. 3SG will be responsible for running the Network’s online events.

Becky Brooks, Director at 3SG said: “Last year 3SG partnered with the School for Social Entrepreneurs to deliver the BaNES Social Enterprise Programme that supported hundreds of local organisations and individuals.

“The creation of the Bath Social Impact Network feels like a great extension of this work – there is a real need for a space such as this for businesses and those with new ideas to come together, learn and grow.

“We are really excited about this partnership with Bath Spa University and hope to utilise 3SG’s experience in facilitating and networking to help the Bath Social Impact Network become a great success, really challenging the way in which we do business in the city and helping to create change for good.”

TEN weeks of online lessons are being made available to help Ukrainian refugees improve their English at beginner and intermediate levels, in association with Somerset Supports Ukraine.

Teachers from the University of Bath’s Skills Centre will deliver the classes, and if successful the trial may be extended. The University decided to offer the classes after hearing of a need for English lessons from Somerset Supports Ukraine trustees. After surveying some of the Ukrainians that the group works with, the University designed a short curriculum to help best meet their needs.

There are four classes each week, three at beginner level and one intermediate level class.

David Busby, Head of Digital and Academic Skills, said: “We want to focus on giving the attendees a sense of community and some additional confidence with communication.

“Hopefully this will help them to express themselves and build relationships with other people in the community and in the workplace. I hope this will be the first step and that we can offer more support in the future, for example some face-to-face tuition. I think it’s an important thing to do for our Ukrainian

friends.”

The beginners’ classes will be structured, with a focus on functional language for dayto-day communication, while the intermediate class is more discussion-based and led by what the students want to learn about.

Clare Ronay, a trustee at Somerset Supports Ukraine, said: “Somerset Supports Ukraine is delighted to be working with the University of Bath to offer English lessons. Speaking the language helps people find work and accommodation and become part of the community, but research showed that over three quarters of Ukrainian refugees arriving in Somerset speak little or no English. These lessons will help give attendees confidence in applying for work and becoming more independent.”

Rohan Surana, Director of Operations at the University’s School of Management, initially brought the idea to the University. He said: “I’m really pleased that the University has been able to put on these lessons. Everyone has been helpful and enthusiastic about making it happen. “I think we’re all keen to offer support to a group of people who have been forced to leave their country and lives behind due to a terrible war.”

MP visits rooftop solar project at Beechen Cliff School

BATH MP Wera Hobhouse made a special visit to Beechen Cliff School at the end of last month to see a rooftop solar system installed by Bath & West Community Energy.

The solar electricity system was installed during the summer holidays last year and is Bath & West Community Energy’s (BWCE) largest rooftop system to date, comprising 680 solar panels that provide 262 kilowatts of power to the school.

It is estimated to reduce the school’s carbon emissions by 52 tonnes per year and significantly cut their fuel costs.

The Beechen Cliff system is one of six installed by BWCE on schools in Bath, Radstock and Midsomer Norton in 2022.

BWCE is a non-profit communityowned business and installed the rooftop solar system for free, meaning there were no upfront costs for the school.

BWCE owns and manages the system and sells the generated electricity back to the school at a discount price.

This offer is available to schools and other non-domestic buildings, depending on roof size, orientation and onsite energy use

all year round, especially in the summer months.

As part of its community benefit mission, BWCE also donates surplus income from its electricity-generating projects into the BWCE Fund, set up as an independent charity, which provides grants for community projects reducing carbon emissions and addressing fuel poverty.

So far 82 grants have been given to local organisations including Bath City Farm, The Carers Centre, First Steps Nursery, Bath Share & Repair and Julian House.

Wera Hobhouse MP said: “I am so proud that Beechen Cliff School and BWCE have come together on this vital project, helping both the planet and the wider school community.

“Community energy schemes such as this are vital to achieving net zero, and have my wholehearted support.

“Bath has long been a pioneer in this field and once again our area is leading the way. Seeing how the solar panels help raise money for school sets an exciting example for how other public services may benefit from similar projects.”

Tim Markell, Headteacher of

Beechen Cliff School said: “I am really pleased that Bath and West Community Energy are supplying solar panels on a non-profit basis.

“Our partnership with them is enabling the school to cut carbon emissions and save on rising fuel bills at no capital cost to the school. Ensuring a sustainable future is something our students are passionate about.

“Our school Eco-Team began a

campaign last year for the school to install solar panels and so I am delighted that this has been possible.

“Further to this, it is great to know that some of the income generated by BWCE is going into other worthwhile community projects through their community fund.”

been exciting to work with Beechen Cliff to deliver our largest solar rooftop scheme to date. Our work with schools is really demonstrating the value of community energy in both addressing the climate crisis and reducing fuel bills.

added: “It’s

Peter Capener, Managing Director of BWCE

“We estimate a total saving of around £125,000 per year across all the schools where we have installed solar during 2022.”

Nick Bird, Tim Markell, Wera Hobhouse MP and John Rawlins | Photo © BWCE

New creative hub officially opens after years of development

THE new £9 million Newark Works development has been officially launched, creating a dedicated creative hub for businesses in Bath.

The Grade-II listed, 40,000 sq ft building located in the city’s new commercial quarter, Bath Quays, was bought in 2016 by regeneration specialist TCN. The project has seen the restoration of the last surviving historic buildings of engineering company Stothert & Pitt.

The company was an internationally renowned firm founded in Bath, providing the machinery for the construction of the Great Western Railway. It closed in 1989, bringing an end to Bath’s largest employer at the time. Now, over 30 years later, the buildings have been restored to usher in a new era of enterprise in the city.

Newark Works has been transformed into flexible office spaces for creative and tech industries, with unique and iconic industrial-style offices, accommodating single coworkers through to companies of up to 40 staff.

The restoration and retrofitting of Newark Works see it retain original features, including some of the cranes, as focal points in the building.

Working with partners Buro Happold and architects Ferguson Mann, innovative engineering techniques and materials have been used to create a modern workspace in the significantly historic building.

Newark Works is a core part

of Bath Quays, a flagship regeneration project overlooking the river Avon, which will deliver a new commercial quarter, offering 340,000 sq ft of office space.

The site has been brought forward by Bath and North East Somerset Council who have built No.1 Bath Quays, the first Grade A office space to be built in 30 years in Bath. The offices sit alongside Newark Works.

Richard Pearce, co-founder at TCN, said: “We are beyond excited for Bath to finally see Newark Works in its most complete form after working on the project painstakingly for over 10 years.

“TCN is looking forward to not only bringing a new creative hub to the city, but to having breathed new life into a building of historic significance while using roughly a third of the carbon footprint of a new construction.

“We are eager to deliver an attractive, creative hub for everyone to use, providing inspiring spaces in which bright individuals and innovative companies can truly thrive.”

Councillor Mark Roper, cabinet member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Growth at Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “I am delighted that Newark Works is open.

“The council has been working

with TCN on the project for over a decade and they have done a magnificent job of restoring the Grade II listed Stothert & Pitt buildings.

“The development of Bath Quays is progressing well, the new bridge across the river Avon has been opened to pedestrians and cyclists and the public realm works are due to complete imminently. We’re proud to have created a new commercial area

Residents facing some of the highest water bills in the country

RESIDENTS across Bath and North East Somerset who are already under financial pressure will be paying the highest water bills in the whole country, new figures have shown.

Average bills for Wessex Water will top £500 for the first time ever this spring, adding extra pressure to households during the cost-ofliving crisis.

In contrast, Northumbrian Water customers are projected to pay just £391.

The “West premium” for utilities continues to mean residents pay more for basics than elsewhere in the country. Standing charges for electricity are 52p a day, compared to 33p in London.

Water UK has warned that households in England will see the largest increase to their water bills in almost 20 years from April. Wessex Water bills will rise by up to 9% and South West Water bills by 2%.

The bill hike comes amid mounting concerns over the failure of water companies to address issues including sewage discharges and leaks.

Dan Norris, West of England Metro Mayor, said: “It costs more to turn on the tap and flush the loo in the West. Over £100 more

than some other parts of the country. That’s unfair on hard pressed local residents. Water is essential for everyone so noone should need to worry about being able to afford their bill.

“These increases will bring more uncertainty to hard-pressed Bath and NE Somerset households.”

for the city. Newark Works and No.1 Bath Quays, the first new office to be built in Bath for more than 30 years, offers a fantastic range of office space for new companies or existing businesses looking to expand or relocate and a great location within easy reach of the city centre for staff.”

Claire Smith, Director at Buro Happold Bath office said: “Just a short walk from the Buro Happold offices, the Newark Works and wider Bath Quays regeneration

has been something we’ve all been proud to be part of. “Taking a building with a history of engineering, applying our own expertise, and transforming it into a space designed to meet modern needs has not only given us the opportunity to create high quality workspaces for business and individuals locally, but also pay homage to the rich history of the city. We’re looking forward to seeing new talent and businesses make Bath their home.”

Truespeed freezes prices for a second year

BATH-BASED Truespeed, which provides ultrafast broadband services, has extended its price freeze and introduced a new product to support financially vulnerable customers.

Having announced its initial 12-month price freeze in May 2022, Truespeed is continuing to help residents with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis by extending it throughout 2023.

Guaranteeing its ‘no in-contract price rise’ promise, the provider is bucking the industry-wide trend of price hikes and ensuring full fibre broadband remains accessible to as many people as possible.

The community-led company is also taking steps to ensure its most financially vulnerable customers are supported throughout concerning economic times.

Available to households that meet specific criteria, the broadband provider has launched the

‘Truespeed Basic’ product that offers guaranteed speeds of 30Mbps for £20 per month.

Nelson Missier, Chief Commercial Officer of Truespeed said: “We recognise that many customers are going through a stressful period with escalating household costs, limited connectivity options and price increases on many utilities.

“We are playing our part and supporting our customers by extending our price freeze throughout the whole of 2023 and ensuring the vital utility of ultrafast, full fibre broadband remains accessible to those who need it most.

“We’ve always been a part of the South West community and are proud to step up during this unprecedented situation.”

Truespeed, which also has a call centre in Bath, provides free ultrafast connectivity to over 140 local schools and community hubs.

Above: Toby Bidwell, Richard Pearce, Simon Martin, Cllr Mark Roper, Robert Hoadley and Claire Smith | Inset: The new development | Photos © TCN

Politics

Changes to Remembrance events due to veteran’s wishes

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

ANY changes to Bath’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations will be due to veteran’s wishes, not budget restraints, the Liberal Democrats have insisted. Bath and North East Somerset Council is planning to stop its funding of the event, which will now be done directly by the city of Bath. They had insisted there would be “no change” to the event itself. Now they say there could be changes but only to follow veterans’ wishes. A Liberal Democrat spokesperson said: “Initial conversations with the military and veterans’ groups have shown that there is a desire to do things a bit differently on Remembrance Sunday.

“As an example, having a split day with a parade in the morning and

an event in the afternoon, as has been done previously, may not be the way which suits participants in the future.”

But they insisted that there was the money to fund the event as normal if desired, adding: “If any of the arrangements are changed for Remembrance celebrations, it will be because those changes have been requested, not forced by any reduction in monies available.”

Council cabinet member for resources Richard Samuel had previously insisted: “There will be no change to remembrance events at all. The only thing that will change is the body that funds them.”

He was speaking after a meeting of the council’s corporate scrutiny panel on 23rd January where remembrance events were included on a list of potential budget savings.

It was stated the council could save £27,000 by “removing the

Remembrance and Community events budgets to ease budgetary pressures.”

The proposal caused a political spat between Bath Conservatives and the Liberal Democrat-run council.

The council said the event should be taken over by Bath’s charter trustees — a group of councillors which includes the Mayor and deals with the city’s ceremonial duties — which would reflect how Remembrance events were funded across the rest of the council area, where they are the responsibility of parish councils. But Bath Conservative Association took to Twitter to say that this would be the council “washing its hands of supporting [Remembrance Sunday].”

A Liberal Democrat spokesperson responded that the Conservatives were using veterans as a “political football” and insisted: “There is no cut.”

The charter trustees agreed to

take over the funding of the event at a meeting on 24th January.

Tim Ball, the councillor who chairs the charter trustee’s standing committee, said: “We have a proud tradition in Bath of remembering those in all wars who made the ultimate sacrifice and supporting veterans in our area. The Mayor’s office has already been responsible

for the arrangements for the Remembrance events in our community, and will continue to deliver in their usual impeccable manner.

“The meeting this week reaffirmed our commitment to continue to honour those people impacted by war, and ensure the lessons of history are not forgotten.”

Call for new council tax band for most expensive homes

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

A COUNCILLOR has called for Bath’s most expensive buildings to go in a new higher council tax band.

Councillor Andrew Furse asked if Bath and North East Somerset Council could investigate adding new council tax bands at a meeting of its corporate scrutiny panel on Monday 23rd January. But Richard Samuel, the council’s cabinet member for resources, said that the whole “inherently unfair” council tax system needs reforming.

Households pay different amounts of council tax based on

the value of their home, with all homes split across eight different levels called “bands.”

Households in the top band, band H, pay three times more council tax than those in band A. Whatever your council tax band, all households in Bath and North East Somerset face a proposed 4.99% council tax rise this year.

Councillor Furse, whose central Bath ward of Kingsmead includes the Royal Crescent and Circus, said: “We have some very high value properties in Bath and North East Somerset.”

He asked if the council could go to the government to ask about “adding bands” to get more money from the most expensive properties in the area.

He said: “As I see it, as the squeeze comes and council tax is not going up proportionally, […] the households at the lower end of the scale are taking a larger and larger burden of responsibility of the council tax rather than the high earners.”

But Councillor Samuel said that the tax was regressive and that this move could still hurt people on lower incomes.

He said: “It is regressive because it bears no relation to the income of the occupier and as council tax levels have gone up over the years each year, this is a bigger and bigger burden for residents to bear.”

He added: “It’s quite possible that you have somebody who’s on a

COLUMN | Dan Norris, Labour Mayor of the West of England

SHELL and other oil giants are rolling in extra cash. It’s time for a proper windfall tax today. Thousands of Bathonians woke to the news that interest rates had risen yet again last week. Average mortgage repayments have gone up by around £3,900 in Bath especially since the jump following former Prime Minister Liz Truss’s disastrous mini-budget. The cost of a two-year fixed-rate mortgage now stands at 5.75% this month compared to 3.95% in August, the month before the mini-budget. West of England Combined Authority data suggests there are around 25,000 households in the region with fixed-term mortgages ending by the end of 2023.

I fear that many people already suffering in this unprecedented cost-of-living crisis will find the cost hikes a big shock when they come to renew their mortgages.

We're talking serious sums here.

£300 less a month in your pocket will hit people hard.

More hard times for hard-pressed Bath residents, in other words.

It will undoubtedly have knock on effects on the wider economy too as it will mean people spending less in the shops and on leisure activities.

But it wasn’t bad news for all last week - far from it, in fact.

At the same time, Shell became the latest oil giant to post record results - a doubling in its annual

profits.

The reason? Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine which sent global prices soaring and left the oil firm making £1,000 every second. Yes, you read that right. Every second. So, what is to be done? Well, the Government must stop the excuses and get real about implementing a proper windfall tax on these unexpected profits. Shell notched up £34 billion for 2022, but only paid £111m to the Treasury’s coffers. Does that sound fair to you?

The extra cash raised must be channelled into schemes to address this energy price crisis at its root - like my West of England ret-

very low income but in very high or expensive council tax rated property or visa versa.”

A bizarre twist of the council tax system is that, because of the potential unpopularity of reevaluating homes for council tax, households still pay council tax based on what their house would have been worth in 1991.

Councillor Samuel said: “It is undoubtedly the case that if you look at property levels in Bath and North East Somerset in 1991 and compare them to now, there would be a very big difference indeed.

“But the problem with council tax is that you can apply that argument anywhere in the country, that areas have seen big

increases in property values and the council tax does not reflect that. The issue at the heart of that is that the council tax system is now inherently unfair.”

No action to speak to the government about council tax banding was taken at the meeting.

rofitting programme.

Those gorgeous Georgian homes in Bath weren’t built with a climate crisis in mind and neither were an esti mated 250,000 homes across our West of England region that need retrofitting.

I’ve recently brought forward £5 million to get on with this, and I’ve been buoyed by the amazing work of local people in this retrofit race.

I have met local people training to be retrofit assessors thanks to a new training course I’m funding, and some super-duper retrofit workers helping green our region to mark my West of England

Good Employment Charter reaching over 100 business backers (and counting!).

At Bath College, I saw how students are learning how to service hydrogen boilers and heat pumps. But with more investment, imagine how much more we could do to help the planet and cut bills too.

When Shell announced its bumper profits last week, it said this demonstrated the strength of its ‘differentiated portfolio’. No it doesn’t. It demonstrates how much we’re all paying in gas bills and the need for a fair taxation policy that puts hardpressed people first.

Concern had been raised that events would change due to funding being cut

In Other News...

Policing part of council tax to increase by 6% raising £9m

THE policing part of council tax will increase by 6% this year after the rise was confirmed by Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford. This will see bills increase by £15 for the average band D household.

The PCC’s proposal was supported by the Police and Crime Panel on Wednesday 1st February.

The increased precept level will raise an additional £8.8 million. This funding will help manage and reduce the impact of Avon and Somerset Police’s funding gap but will still leave a projected deficit of £3.4million in the year 2023/24 and £7.1 million in the year 2024/25.

Inflationary increases combined with limited additional funding from central Government has left a funding gap that, without the precept increase, would have resulted in significant cuts to police staff and services.

The decision follows a six-weeklong consultation that saw over 3,700 people complete an online and postal survey asking if they agreed or disagreed with the PCC’s proposal to increase the council tax by £15 a year for the average band D household.

45.3% of respondents with an opinion were supportive of the £15 precept increase while 46.2%

of respondents with an opinion disagreed.

PCC Mark Shelford said: “I would like to thank the Police and Crime Panel for their support as well as local people for taking the time to complete the survey and share their opinion.

“We all recognise the financial challenges so many of us are facing; whether it’s food or household bills it feels like we’re continuing to pay more but not receiving anything extra or different.

“This is why it was a really tough decision to increase the precept as I know many households are facing difficult financial circumstances.

“However as I have said over the last few weeks, if there wasn’t an increase in the precept, Avon and Somerset Police would have to

Council denies proposals would see drivers being charged

John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter

about permits for road closures during events, the council has said.

make significant cuts to staff and services to reduce their deficit.

“As your PCC, it would have been irresponsible for me not to have addressed that and helped to reduce this deficit while I had the opportunity. I believe it is also important to note that this precept is an increase of 6%, which is still lower than inflation, which stands at 10%.

“I know many of you will remain concerned that your local policing service has any outstanding deficit.

“I want to reassure you that we will be using the £3.4million reserve funding to address the shortfall so that Chief Constable Sarah Crew has breathing space to come up with a sensible programme of savings to still deliver an effective, efficient and legitimate service.”

BATH and North East Somerset Council have insisted there are no plans to charge cars to enter parts of Bath city centre, just days after councillors debated a proposal which appeared to say this. Councillor Andrew Furse had argued against the idea of charging cars for permits to drive into the city centre security zone, which are currently free for businesses and people living within the security zone. He told Bath and North East Somerset Council’s corporate scrutiny panel on Monday that many people on low wages needed cars and said: “Are we saying that if you are rich enough to buy a permit you can enter the city centre?”

The council now says that it is not saying that — and it says that was never what was being proposed. The proposal, summarised in council documents as “to charge for permits for entry to the city centre security zone” is actually

Manda Rigby, the council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “Any suggestion that our budget for 2023/24 will involve charging for private vehicles to enter the city centre security zone is wholly incorrect.

“What we are proposing in our budget is to review our current processes for when multiple permits are required to support a road closure application, for example for events, filming or property redevelopment.

“We plan to explore whether a City Centre Permit with a single charge and a single point of contact could be introduced to make the process simpler for everyone.

“This would affect organisations such as events companies and TV and film production companies, not individual residents.”

It is believed this could generate £30,000 for the council.

A final budget will go to full council for approval on 21st February.

School’s playground gets a revamp thanks to developer

THE playground of Bathwick St Mary Church School in Bath has benefitted from a revamp and expansion thanks to BECT, the company overseeing construction at the Holburne Park development.

The work was carried out on a voluntary basis by members of BECT’s construction team, with the backing of Hardrock Developments, the developers behind Holburne Park, as well as donations from landscapers Afan and groundworkers Renelec. To enlarge the play area, significant groundwork was needed to remove a diseased tree, stumps and boulders, clear weeds and prepare the ground for AstroTurf.

An area around a badger set has been cleared of excess weeds and brambles and protected by

a fence to allow the children to safely study the animals. A shaded space that was previously waterlogged has been made safe for play, while new paving alongside the school’s

pond has further enhanced the school’s outdoor environment.

Jonathan Matthews, BECT Operations Director, said: “As one of our close neighbours at Holburne Park, it’s been a

pleasure to support Bathwick St. Mary Church School by using the skills of our team and the help of our partners to make these improvements that we hope pupils will enjoy for many years.

“Working with the local community has been a priority for us throughout the construction process and we have welcomed the opportunity to strengthen ties with the school.

“As well as giving the children more space to play, the work has created a blank canvas on which to install equipment and enhance the school’s outdoor education programme.”

Kevin Purkiss, Headteacher at Bathwick St. Mary Church School said: “We are so grateful for the generosity and support of BECT and the Holburne Park Team as we have overhauled the play

space for our children.

“A significant proportion of the school grounds have been completely redeveloped which has enabled all year round access to our play garden and woodland area.

“The new surfacing and overhaul of the site has made a fantastic difference to the play experiences and learning opportunities for all of our children.

“Without their generous support we would still be in the early stages of fundraising for this project.”

Kevin Purkiss, Ali Gatehouse and James Harris with pupils from the school Photo © Philip Field / www.philipfield.com