This week in Bath and North East Somerset:

Children's Services Under Pressure: Overstretched Safeguarding Teams and Unallocated Cases

The Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel met on Monday 12 October 2026, revealing significant challenges within Children's Services. A key concern raised was the strain on safeguarding teams, with reports of staff anxiety regarding restructuring and the safeguarding hub being at breaking point. This has led to worries about the impact on services, with staff absences and mental health concerns contributing to a situation where 80 children are currently unallocated to a social worker.

While officers assured the panel that robust processes are in place to ensure the safety of all children, acknowledging that those requiring immediate attention are allocated within four hours, the sheer volume of cases and staffing pressures are undeniable. The national shortage of qualified social workers is a significant factor, impacting recruitment efforts. The council is actively working on recruitment strategies, including graduate programs and apprenticeships, and has increased management oversight and leadership resources to manage the allocation process and ensure throughput. However, the sheer scale of demand for children's social care services remains a constant challenge.

The panel also discussed the Families First programme, a government initiative aimed at restructuring services. While officers maintain that the changes are largely positive and have minimal impact on the majority of staff, the anxiety surrounding these transitions is palpable. The council is committed to supporting its staff through this period of change, which will continue until April 2027.

For more details on the challenges and ongoing work within Children's Services, see the Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel meeting.

Local Plan Consultation Nears End Amidst Health Infrastructure Concerns

With the consultation on the Draft Local Plan closing at the end of October, the Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel heard concerns about the potential impact of new housing developments on vital health services. Councillor David Harding raised worries about the adequacy of GP and dental provision, particularly in the Chew Valley, and Councillor Joanna Wright highlighted similar issues in Radstock.

Officers from the Integrated Care Board (ICB) explained that while tools are used to estimate population growth from new housing, these do not automatically translate into specific registrations for GP practices. Existing pressures are considered, and further work is planned. However, the lack of definitive numbers for future GP and dental capacity is causing concern, especially as the Local Plan consultation deadline looms. Councillor Paul May, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, noted that GPs are worried that Section 106 agreements, which often fund infrastructure for new developments, may not directly benefit GP provision, posing a risk to timely additional services.

The panel also discussed the development of a new Urgent Treatment Centre at the Royal United Hospital, funded by a £12 million national NHS capital investment. While this is seen as a positive step for improving urgent care access, the broader concerns about primary care infrastructure in the face of significant housing growth remain a key issue for residents.

For more information on the Local Plan and its impact on health services, see the Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel meeting.

Licensing Sub-Committee to Consider Pub Licence Variations and Taxi Driver Status

The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 22 October 2026. A primary focus will be an application to vary the premises licence for the Pig & Fiddle pub. The proposed changes include adding an external bar servery, allowing alcohol sales from 11:00 AM on Sundays, and permitting children under 16 to remain on the premises until 9:00 PM when accompanied by an adult.

However, the application has drawn objections from local residents concerned about potential public nuisance. Issues raised include increased noise and activity from the external bar, particularly in the evenings, and potential impacts on residential amenity due to its proximity to homes. The committee will need to weigh these concerns against the applicant's proposals and consider potential conditions to mitigate any negative impacts.

Additionally, the sub-committee will review the fit and proper status of taxi drivers, a process that will involve private sessions due to the sensitive personal information being considered.

For more details on these licensing matters, see the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

Other Matters

• Standards Committee Meeting Cancelled: The Standards Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 13 October 2026 has been cancelled.

This week in Bath and North East Somerset:

Green Belt Home Application Refused Amidst Concerns Over Business Viability

The Planning Committee has refused an application for a detached log cabin in Clutton, citing insufficient evidence of a functional need for a rural worker dwelling and its inappropriate location within the Green Belt. The decision highlights the council's commitment to protecting green spaces while also grappling with the complexities of supporting new rural enterprises.

The application, for a temporary three-year dwelling on land next to Grasslands on Lower Bristol Road, Clutton, was presented as a modest proposal for a young local couple to establish a small-scale agricultural enterprise. The agent for the applicant argued that the cabin was temporary, removable, and that the applicants had a genuine functional need to live on-site to monitor livestock and respond promptly to animal welfare issues. They also pointed to the constrained local housing market, making conventional accommodation financially unrealistic for the couple.

However, council officers noted that crucial details regarding the nature, scale, operational requirements, and financial viability of the proposed agricultural enterprise were missing. The report stated that the proposal conflicted with Policy RE4 of the Local Plan Partial Update, which requires an essential need for a rural worker and financial viability for the business.

During the debate, councillors expressed concerns about the lack of detailed business plans. Councillor John Leach, Member Advocate for Climate Resilience, stated, there were insufficient grounds to permit the application due to the lack of information. Ultimately, the committee voted to refuse the application, with six votes against and one abstention. The decision underscores the importance of robust business plans when seeking development in sensitive areas like the Green Belt.

The committee also noted an appeal decision regarding a solar farm near Keynsham. An inspector allowed the appeal, classifying the site as grey belt under revised national policy and deeming the development not inappropriate. While acknowledging harm to the landscape, the inspector found it outweighed by the benefits of renewable energy generation. This decision prompted concern from Councillor Dr Eleanor Jackson, who suggested that many fields around villages could now be considered vulnerable under this grey belt designation.

For more details on these planning decisions, see the Planning Committee meeting.

Restructuring Implementation Committee Discusses Redundancy Proposal

The Restructuring Implementation Committee met on Monday 28 September 2026 to consider a redundancy proposal. Due to the sensitive nature of the information, this item was discussed in a private session, exempt from public disclosure under the Local Government Act 1972. The exemption was applied to protect personal information and prevent the disclosure of details that could identify individuals, aligning with the Data Protection Act 2018.

This follows previous discussions on similar matters, including executive director appointments and voluntary redundancy cases, where the Chief Executive was granted delegated authority to manage these processes. The committee's focus on restructuring highlights the ongoing efforts to adapt council operations and ensure efficient service delivery.

For more information on the committee's remit, see the Restructuring Implementation Committee meeting.

Other Matters

• Former Bath Press Premises Redevelopment Approved: A full application for residential-led redevelopment at the Former Bath Press Premises on Lower Bristol Road, Westmoreland, Bath, was permitted. This approval is subject to a Section 106 agreement covering affordable housing, highway improvements, car club provision, and contributions to public open space and education.

• Keynsham Residential Development Granted Outline Permission: An outline planning application for residential development on Parcel 0014, Charlton Road, Keynsham, has been permitted. A Section 106 agreement will secure affordable housing, public open space, highway works, and contributions towards education and public realm improvements.

• Co-living Studios Application Refused: A full application for co-living studios at the Site of Old Gas Works, Upper Bristol Road, Lower Weston, Bath, was refused due to concerns over its height, scale, and massing. The decision is to be referred to the Secretary of State.

• Sports Facility at Bathampton Junction Approved: A full application for a sports facility with five Padel courts at Land Next to Bathampton Junction, Station Road, Bathampton, has been permitted, subject to a Section 106 agreement for recruitment and training outcomes and monitoring fees.

• Retrospective Applications Granted: Retrospective applications for the replacement of a rear covered passage at Panahar Takeaway and Restaurant, 8 Moorland Road, Oldfield Park, Bath, and for track laying, yard creation, container positioning, and a change of use for agricultural and seasonal game bird rearing at Pump, Hook Lane, Hinton Blewett, were both permitted, subject to conditions.

• Equestrian Facility Approved: An application for a manege, storage building, and change of use for equestrian purposes at Avonwood House, 37 Bristol Road, Corston, has been permitted.

• Appeals Report Noted: The committee also noted a report on new planning appeals lodged, decisions received, and dates of forthcoming hearings and inquiries.

This week in Bath and North East Somerset:

Local Plan Sparks Fierce Debate: Housing Targets vs. Environmental Protection

The future shape of Bath and North East Somerset is at the heart of a heated debate following the Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel's review of the Pre-Submission Draft Local Plan. The plan, which outlines housing, economic development, and infrastructure strategies for 2025-2043, has drawn sharp criticism over its housing targets and their potential environmental impact.

Councillor Sam Ross voiced strong concerns about the funding allocated for active travel improvements in areas like Clutton and Farnborough, labelling the figures as generic and not based on actual needs. He also pointed to a history of unmet promises, citing the Maynard Terrace development in Clutton where affordable housing and footway improvements were not delivered. Councillor Eleanor Jackson echoed these concerns, questioning the accuracy of transport modelling for Timsbury and Farber.

Cabinet Member for Sustainable BANES, Councillor Sarah Warren, defended the plan, explaining that the government's doubling of housing targets has left the council vulnerable to speculative development due to a halved five-year land supply. She argued that having a plan, even an imperfect one, allows the council to make demands of developers regarding infrastructure and amenities. The draft plan proposes around 22,000 homes, a reduction from the government's figure due to constraints like the World Heritage Site status of Bath and the presence of National Landscapes and Green Belt areas. Policies on biodiversity net gain, climate adaptation, and embodied carbon targets are included.

Questions were also raised about the feasibility of achieving 40% affordable housing targets, with Councillor John Leach asking how this could be met when developer profit often takes precedence. Councillor Warren acknowledged the challenge, stating that while development cannot be rendered financially unviable, the council has undertaken a viability assessment to support its affordable housing policy.

The discussion also touched upon the Climate and Nature Strategy Update, with the stark admission that the council is not on track to meet its Net Zero by 2030 target. While committed to the goal, significant support at regional, national, and international levels is deemed necessary. The strategy aims to reduce council operational emissions by 74% by 2030, focusing on fleet and buildings. However, concerns were raised about the potential impact of the Local Plan's housing targets on transport objectives, particularly regarding reductions in car mileage.

For more details on the Local Plan and Climate Strategy discussions, see the Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel meeting.

Children's Services Faces £10.2 Million Overspend Amidst Market Failures

Bath and North East Somerset Council's Children's Services is grappling with a staggering £10.2 million overspend for the last financial year, a significant increase from previous forecasts. The overwhelming majority of this deficit, £8.1 million, is attributed to escalating costs for residential placements, a problem exacerbated by a concentrated market dominated by a few private equity-backed providers.

Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, highlighted the lack of bargaining power councils have against these providers, who are reportedly making substantial profit margins. He presented stark case studies: a 16-year-old girl in a Croydon placement costing £900,000 per year, and two siblings with complex needs in a residential setting costing £728,000 per year. These individual cases illustrate the immense financial pressure placed on the council, with a tiny number of high-cost placements capable of swinging the service budget by millions.

While officers are implementing measures to manage demand, such as weekly care and resource panel sign-offs and a focus on reunification, Councillor Elliott stressed that this is a national market failure that central government must address. The council is taking steps to regain control by repurposing its former care home, Charlton House in Keynsham, into a special school and co-located children's homes, aiming to provide eight in-house residential places. This initiative represents a crucial move to reduce reliance on external providers and their associated costs.

The report also detailed national context, with a CIPFA report indicating that councils are spending an average of 78% of their funding on children's and adult social care. Benchmarking data shows Bath and North East Somerset Council is spending over £1,000 per week more than regional comparators and over £1,500 per week more than statistical neighbours and the England average for residential care.

For a full breakdown of the financial challenges and mitigation strategies, see the Corporate Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel meeting.

Council Company Accounts and Treasury Management Under Scrutiny

The Audit Committee met on Wednesday 23 September 2026 to review the financial health of the council and its associated companies. A key focus was the audited financial statements for the Council and the Avon Pension Fund for the 2025/26 financial year, which Grant Thornton UK LLP reported as likely to receive an unmodified audit opinion. This indicates that the financial statements are presented fairly and accurately.

The committee also examined the annual accounts for the council's wholly-owned companies: Aequus Developments Ltd (ADL), Aequus Construction Ltd (ACL), and Aequus Group Holdings Ltd (AGHL). These companies have collectively generated over £6 million in returns to the Council to date. ADL reported a turnover of £1,802,869, ACL had a turnover of £5,144,019, and AGHL, as a non-trading holding company, had a net profit of nil.

The Treasury Management outturn report for 2025/26 revealed that all prudential indicators were within target levels. Total borrowing stood at £288.977 million, with total investments at £31.300 million as of 31 March 2026. The average rate of return on operational investments was 4.03%, exceeding the SONIA benchmark.

An update on planned Internal Audit work for 2026/27 highlighted that one audit report had been issued with a 'Limited Assurance' opinion relating to debt management, specifically staff overpayments. However, a review of Registration Services income received a 'Substantial Assurance' opinion. The committee also reviewed its draft Annual Report for 2025/26 and its workplan for the upcoming year.

For more details on these financial reviews, see the Audit Committee meeting.

Other Matters

• Alice Park Trust Faces Financial and Operational Decisions: The Alice Park Trust Sub-Committee met on Friday 25 September 2026. The Trust's financial position for 2026/27 was projected to show a surplus of £2,423, with any surplus to be added to reserves. Updates were provided on the Alice Park Play Area Project, with phase 2 discussions ongoing and positive feedback received from park users. The Sub-Committee also reviewed usage figures for the public conveniences, noting an increase between 2024 and 2025, and discussed the Alice Park Cafe Lease, with a resolution to exclude the press and public from this part of the meeting due to the likely disclosure of exempt information. For more information, see the Alice Park Trust Sub-Committee meeting.

• Restructuring Implementation Committee to Discuss Redundancy Proposal: The Restructuring Implementation Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 28 September 2026 to discuss a redundancy proposal. This item is expected to be held in private session due to the disclosure of exempt information. See the Restructuring Implementation Committee meeting.

• Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting Cancelled: The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday 24 September 2026 has been cancelled. A further Licensing Sub-Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday 08 October 2026. See the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

This week in Bath and North East Somerset:

Heatwaves Strain Services, Council Tackles Care Recommissioning

The recent intense heatwaves have placed significant pressure on public services across Bath and North East Somerset, impacting vulnerable residents and council operations. The Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel met on Monday 14 September 2026 to discuss the fallout and future preparedness.

Councillor Alison Bourne, Cabinet Lead for Adult Social Care and Public Health, detailed the health impacts on vulnerable residents, increased pressure on NHS services, and operational challenges faced by council services, including day services and supported living. Measures implemented to mitigate these impacts included enhanced welfare checks and the expansion of the Cool Spaces programme. The report noted that all state schools in B&NES closed during the red-level heat alert in June, prompting discussions with the Department of Health and UKHSA to improve educational setting resilience.

The panel also reviewed the Better Care Fund (BCF) Delivery Plan for 2026–2027. This pooled budget of £26.5 million between Bath & North East Somerset Council and the NHS aims to support integrated health and social care services. While non-elective admissions met local targets, they remained higher than peer and regional comparators. Discharge Ready Date performance met targets, but discharge delays were off track. The 2026–2027 plan focuses on maintaining essential services while adapting to national expectations around neighbourhood health, prevention, and value for money. Investment priorities include intermediate care, urgent community response, care coordination, equipment and adaptations, and support for the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.

The Equality Impact Assessment for the BCF plan highlighted potential adverse impacts related to fragmented referral routes, digital exclusion, and inconsistent equality data. Mitigation strategies include maintaining a range of referral routes and providing accessible information.

For more details on the discussions and the BCF plan, see the Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel meeting.

Pension Fund Faces Governance Overhaul Amidst Climate and Risk Reviews

The Avon Pension Fund Committee met on Friday 18 September 2026 to address significant governance changes driven by new Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) regulations. These changes, effective from 1 April 2026, introduce substantial shifts in governance and investment rules, impacting how the fund operates and how its members are held to account.

The committee was set to consider revised draft documents, including updated Terms of Reference, reflecting new statutory roles and enhanced knowledge and skills requirements for committee members. Non-compliance could lead to the removal of voting rights and special responsibility allowances, directly affecting the oversight of the fund. A new Governance Strategy, Representation Policy, Training Policy, Conflicts of Interest Policy, and Scheme of Delegation were also on the agenda.

In a key climate update, the committee was to review the annual climate progress, including the proposed approval of a draft Climate Position Statement. This statement aims to formally document the Fund's investment beliefs and objectives concerning climate change, with detailed targets for achieving net zero across all fund assets by 2045. While progress on listed equity and bond portfolios is ahead of the decarbonisation pathway, future success hinges on company-level decarbonisation efforts and a robust collective approach through Local Pensions Partnership Investments Ltd (LPPI).

The committee also reviewed the Fund's risk register, with the top three risks identified as loss of IT (including cyber attack), failure to achieve investment returns, and regulatory changes. A new risk, People experience loss with staff leaving and internal moves, was added, highlighting the potential impact of losing experienced staff, particularly within the Member Services Team. Mitigating actions include active recruitment and process improvements.

For more information on these governance and risk management discussions, see the Avon Pension Fund Committee meeting.

Council Debates Planning Powers, Climate Action, and Social Care Funding

The Council convened on Thursday 17 September 2026, tackling critical issues from the appointment of an interim Monitoring Officer to debates on national planning policy, climate action, and the future of social care.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the government's mandated changes to planning processes. Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of the Council, strongly opposed these changes, describing them as an attack by central government on local democracy. He argued that delegating most planning decisions to officers and reducing public hearings undermines local representation. As a point of principle, Councillor Guy did not move the recommendations in the report, suggesting instead that the Monitoring Officer make the necessary constitutional changes. The interim Monitoring Officer, Donna Marks, confirmed she would be constitutionally required to update the Constitution to align with national legislation.

In a strong show of support for climate action, the Council passed a Liberal Democrat motion calling for a national televised emergency briefing on climate and nature. Councillor David Harding highlighted the stark realities of climate change, citing recent heatwaves, deaths, and impacts on local services. The motion urges the government to host a live TV briefing, for the council to inform local residents, and for MPs to sign a parliamentary call for such a briefing.

The Council also unanimously passed a Labour motion calling for a national conversation on social care. The motion acknowledges the growing pressures on social care due to an ageing population and the shrinking workforce, with local government bearing the brunt of these financial strains. Councillor Robin Moss emphasised the need for a national solution and cross-party working to address the funding crisis.

For a full overview of the Council's discussions and decisions, see the Council meeting.

Other Matters

• Children's Services Budget Under Scrutiny: The Corporate Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel is set to examine the Children's Services budget on Tuesday 22 September 2026. The report highlights an adverse variance of £10.2 million for 2025/26, largely due to high residential care placement costs and staffing pressures. The panel will also review the Council's Commercial Property portfolio and a strategic Case for Change initiative aimed at addressing a projected £28 million savings requirement over three years. See the Corporate Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel meeting.

• Alice Park Trust Faces Financial and Operational Decisions: The Alice Park Trust Sub-Committee will meet on Friday 25 September 2026 to discuss the Trust's financial position, with a projected surplus of £2,423 for 2026/27. Updates on the play area project, public conveniences, the Tennis Pavilion, and the Alice Park Community Garden are also on the agenda. The Sub-Committee will also discuss the Alice Park Cafe Lease. See the Alice Park Trust Sub-Committee meeting.

• Planning Committee Considers Green Belt Development and Housing Applications: The Planning Committee will meet on Wednesday 30 September 2026 to consider several planning applications. A key item is an application for a detached log cabin in Clutton, located in the Green Belt, which raises concerns about insufficient information regarding the proposed rural enterprise and its impact on the local character. Other applications include proposals for co-living studios, residential redevelopment, and a sports facility. See the Planning Committee meeting.

• Climate Panel to Review Local Plan and Strategy: The Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel will meet on Thursday 24 September 2026 to review the Pre-Submission Draft Local Plan and receive an update on the Climate and Nature Strategy. The draft Local Plan, guiding future development, will be open for public consultation. The Climate and Nature Strategy focuses on restoring nature, reducing carbon emissions, and building resilience. See the Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel meeting.

• Audit Committee to Review Financial Statements and Company Accounts: The Audit Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 23 September 2026. The agenda includes a review of the council's and Avon Pension Fund's audited financial statements for 2025/26, along with the annual audit report and Value for Money assessment. The committee will also examine the annual accounts for the council's wholly-owned companies, Aequus Developments Ltd, Aequus Construction Ltd, and Aequus Group Holdings Ltd. See the Audit Committee meeting.

• Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting Cancelled: The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday 24 September 2026 has been cancelled.