In the last 7 days, the council has held several meetings, including the Somer Valley Forum, the Pension Board, the Keynsham Area Forum, and the Licensing Sub-Committee. Unfortunately, we have not been able to find video broadcasts for these meetings.

Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel

The most impactful meeting this week was the Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel held on Monday, 10 June 2024. This meeting focused on several key issues, including the transfer of adult social care services, public health updates, and the council's work plan.

Transfer of Adult Social Care Services

One of the significant discussions was the transfer of adult social care services from HCRG to Bath and North East Somerset Council. Councillor Alison Bourne reported that the transfer, which involved nearly 250 staff, went smoothly with minimal disruption to services. Key points included:

• Cost Efficiency: The transfer cost less than anticipated due to the use of internal staff rather than external consultants.
• Staff Satisfaction: Initial feedback from staff has been positive, with high satisfaction rates.
• Training: Mandatory training for infection control and other areas is ongoing, with a goal of reaching 100% compliance.
• Lessons Learned: Future transfers should ensure earlier receipt of staff lists and involve middle management more closely.
• Key Risks: Retention of staff and maintaining apprenticeship programs are seen as significant risks.

We used a lot of our own staff. We didn't bring in as many consultants as we expected to do, noted Councillor Alison Bourne during the meeting.

Public Health Issues

Several public health topics were raised, but detailed answers were deferred due to the absence of public health representatives. Key points included:

• Sexual and Reproductive Health: Questions were raised about a £54,000 fund for a two-year action plan covering Wiltshire, Swindon, and Bath and North East Somerset.
• Drugs and Alcohol: Ongoing work with police and other agencies to address the rise in synthetic opioid overdoses.
• Leisure Services: Issues with cycle infrastructure at leisure centers were highlighted.
• School Health and Wellbeing Survey: 62% of primary schools have signed up, with results from secondary schools expected in June.

Work Plan

The council's work plan was reviewed, with several items added for future meetings:

• Public Health Update: A comprehensive update from the Director of Public Health is scheduled for the next meeting.
• Adult Social Care Transfer: A follow-up on the benefits and outcomes of the transfer will be discussed after Christmas.
• Suicide Prevention Strategy: An update is scheduled for November.
• Safety Valve Update: An update on the resubmission of the council's bid will be provided.

Other Discussions

• Community Support Services: The council is working on a timetable for reviewing community support services, with a focus on engaging community partners.
• CQC Inspection: Preparation for an upcoming Care Quality Commission inspection is underway, with a focus on waiting times, equalities, co-production, and personalization.

The meeting concluded with a review of the work plan and the addition of new items for future discussions.

This week's meetings highlight ongoing themes of budget management, community engagement, and balancing modern needs with historical preservation. The decisions made will have significant implications for local services, community well-being, and environmental sustainability.

This week, the Bath and North East Somerset council held several meetings, with significant discussions and decisions impacting various aspects of the community.

Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel

The Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel met on Monday, 13 May 2024. Key topics included the SEND home-to-school transport policy review and the Safety Valve update.

SEND Home-to-School Transport Policy Review

The council reviewed the SEND home-to-school transport policy to align it with new government guidance. The goal is to ensure transparency and fairness for families. Key points included clarifying eligibility, types of transport available, and the process for annual reviews. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on families, particularly regarding the requirement for children to attend the nearest appropriate school. The council reassured that no child currently receiving transport would lose it under the revised policy.

Safety Valve Update

The Safety Valve update focused on managing the budget for SEND services. The council is negotiating with the Department for Education to address the budget deficit, aiming to extend the timeframe for achieving a balanced budget. Significant investments in local SEND provision, such as new special schools and resource spaces, were discussed. Concerns about government funding cuts and maintaining service quality were highlighted.

Other Discussions

The Sacray Annual Report emphasized the importance of religious education in schools and the need for better understanding and tolerance between different faith communities. The council also discussed the need for better coordination between departments to align policies with broader objectives, such as addressing the climate emergency.

Corporate Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel

The Corporate Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday, 14 May 2024. Key topics included staff recognition, council performance, budget updates, and new procurement legislation.

Staff Recognition and Awards

The council held a staff recognition evening, doubling the number of nominations from the previous year, highlighting increased staff engagement.

Council Performance and Awards

Bath and North East Somerset Council was named a finalist in the Most Improved Council category at the Local Government Chronicle Awards, reflecting efforts to improve residents' lives.

Budget Updates

The council is preparing the 2023-2024 budget outturn report and working on the 2025-2026 budget. The insourcing of adult social care was highlighted as a successful initiative that stayed within budget.

Procurement Legislation

The new Procurement Act 2023, set to go live in October, aims to provide more flexibility and transparency in public procurement. The council is updating its procurement strategy and contract standing orders in preparation.

VoiceBox Survey Results

The survey revealed that while residents generally have positive interactions with the council, there are concerns about value for money and influence over decision-making. Issues such as affordable housing, health services, and community safety were highlighted.

Council Meeting

The Council met on Thursday, 16 May 2024. The meeting began with a formal vote of thanks to Councillor Sarah Moore for her service as chair over the past year.

Appointment of Committees and Annual Business

Councillor Kevin Guy moved the motion to roll forward the current committee structure and group allocations for the next municipal year. Achievements highlighted included the opening of the new Refuge and Recycling Centre at Pixash Lane and bringing adult social care services back in-house.

Avon Pension Fund Update

Councillor Paul Crossley provided an update on the Avon Pension Fund, highlighting local impact investments in renewable energy and affordable housing.

Public Speakers

Public speakers addressed issues including the plight of Palestinians and the Sydney Road Liveable Neighbourhood (LN) scheme. Speakers called for support for a family reunion scheme for Palestinians and emphasized the positive impact of the Sydney Road LN scheme on the community.

Other Discussions

Councillor Anna Box supported the No Mow May campaign, highlighting its benefits for biodiversity. Councillor Ruth Malloy expressed concern about the disenfranchisement of EU citizens due to recent changes in voting rights legislation.

Licensing Sub-Committee

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, 16 May 2024, was cancelled.

This week's meetings highlight ongoing themes of budget management, community engagement, and balancing modern needs with historical preservation. The decisions made will have significant implications for local services, community well-being, and environmental sustainability.

This week, the Bath and North East Somerset council held a significant meeting on Wednesday, 08 May 2024, focusing on urban redevelopment and planning decisions. The Planning Committee discussed several key issues, with the most impactful being the approval of a major redevelopment project in a central urban area.

Major Redevelopment Project Approval

The council approved a substantial redevelopment project that includes office spaces and a hotel. This decision is pivotal as it indicates a shift towards modernizing the city while attempting to maintain its historical character. The debate was intense, with opinions divided on the project's design and its fit within the city's historical context. Critics, including some council members and Historic England, argued that the design was uninspiring and not reflective of the city's character. However, the approval suggests a pragmatic approach to urban development, prioritizing economic development and functionality over strict adherence to traditional aesthetics.

The design was sufficiently varied and a necessary evolution for the city, emphasizing the need for modern office space, argued one proponent during the meeting.

Environmental Concerns and Building Regulations

The discussion also highlighted concerns about the environmental impact of the new development, particularly in terms of thermal gain and the adequacy of proposed mitigations like window recesses and blinds. This continues a theme we've seen in previous council decisions, where sustainability and environmental impact are crucial considerations in new developments.

Public Engagement

Interestingly, the meeting had low public engagement, which might suggest either a general acceptance of the project or a lack of awareness about its implications. This is a critical point as public engagement often shapes the perception and success of such large-scale projects.

Other Planning Decisions

The meeting also addressed other planning applications, such as the approval of 10 affordable housing units at Danes Court and a contentious extension at One Bath Road. These decisions reflect the council's ongoing efforts to balance development with conservation and community needs.

This week's meeting underscores a continuing theme of balancing historical preservation with modern needs, a topic we've discussed in previous emails. The decisions made in this meeting will likely have long-term implications for the city's landscape and its economic and environmental sustainability.

This week, the Bath and North East Somerset council held several meetings, but the most impactful was the Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel on Thursday, 02 May 2024. The panel addressed critical local issues including the climate emergency, school streets, and local food-growing security.

Climate Emergency Preparedness

The panel emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness, especially during live-broadcasted meetings. The decision to implement emergency evacuation procedures ensures that all attendees are aware of and can follow proper evacuation protocols, enhancing overall safety.

School Streets Initiative

A significant decision was made to proceed with pilot projects for school streets, aimed at reducing traffic near schools to promote safer and greener travel options for children. The panel argued that this would increase safety and encourage walking and cycling. However, concerns about practical implementation and potential traffic displacement were also raised. If successful, these pilots could lead to broader implementation, significantly impacting children's safety and environmental commuting practices.

Local Food-Growing Security

The council reviewed a task group report on local food-growing security, discussing the need for more allotments and better utilization of existing ones. There was strong support for increasing local food production to enhance food security and community health. However, concerns about land availability and management were noted. This initiative could lead to improved food security and reduced environmental impact, as the council plans to integrate these strategies into upcoming local plans.

An interesting theme emerged during the discussions: the emphasis on community involvement and the potential for school and community gardens to contribute to food security and education. This highlights a shift towards more community-centric planning, which could have long-lasting benefits for local sustainability and education.

Other meetings this week included the Corporate Audit Committee and the Health and Wellbeing Board, though summaries of these meetings are not yet available. The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting was cancelled.