Bath Area Play Project National Playday event proposed

As you might be aware, the Bath Area Play Project (BAPP) run family playdays during the summer holidays which are free for families and very well liked and appreciated.

Before COVID, they have always held a larger scale event to celebrate National Playday which has been held in Queen Square.  However, these haven’t been carried out since 2019 but this year they are hoping to hold this in Pennyquick Park on Wednesday 3rd August 2022 between 1pm and 4pm.

Both Councillor Tim Ball and Councillor Sarah Moore fully support this as they believe that with a large number of families living in the ward, this is an ideal location for them to be able to access something fun and exciting on their doorstep!

According to B&NES, BAPP need to consult with local residents. Full details can be found on the attached link, together with as short form that they are requesting a response to by 7th June - https://forms.office.com/r/1sb2FdNfYB

Planning Applications - w/c 30.05.2022

The below new planning applications have been received this week:

Ward:               Twerton                                    App Ref:            22/02042/FUL

Parish:             N/A

Registered:      17th May 2022                          Expiry Date:     12th July 2022

Location:         42 High Street Twerton Bath Bath And North East Somerset BA2 1DB 

Grid Ref:          (E)372588 - (N)164642                          LB Grade:        II

Proposal:         Conversion of first floor to residential use and associated alterations.

Officer:            Ben Burke

Applicant:        The PCC, St Michael's, Twerton	Agent:    Mark Taylor Chartered Architect
42 High Street Twerton Bath Bath And North East Somerset BA2 1DB	The Warren Stoke Road North Curry TA3 6HN

To view the case click on the link here.

Ward:               Twerton                                    App Ref:            22/02043/LBA

Parish:             N/A

Registered:      17th May 2022                          Expiry Date:     12th July 2022

Location:         42 High Street Twerton Bath Bath And North East Somerset BA2 1DB 

Grid Ref:          (E)372588 - (N)164642                          LB Grade:        II

Proposal:         Internal alterations for the conversion of first floor to residential use and associated alterations.

Officer:            Ben Burke

Applicant:        The PCC, St Michael's, Twerton	Agent:    Mark Taylor Chartered Architect
42 High Street Twerton Bath Bath And North East Somerset BA2 1DB	The Warren Stoke Road North Curry TA3 6HN

To view the case click on the link here.

Ward:               Twerton                                    App Ref:            22/02047/FUL

Parish:             N/A

Registered:      17th May 2022                          Expiry Date:     12th July 2022

Location:         65 Poolemead Road Whiteway Bath Bath And North East Somerset BA2 1QP 

Grid Ref:          (E)371868 - (N)164285                          LB Grade:            N/A

Proposal:         Change of use from (C3) dwellinghouse to (C4) small house in multiple occupation and erection of a single-storey rear extension.

Officer:            Christopher Masters

Applicant:        Rivers BIrtwell	Agent:    Lewis & Co Planning SE Ltd
Henry Dorman Care Of Lewis & Co Planning 2 Port Hall Road Brighton BN1 5PD	2 Port Hall Road Brighton BN1 5PD

To view the case click on the link here.

May Half Term Jubilee Celebration events

This May half-term, families can enjoy a programme of special craft activities to celebrate the Jubilee week at the Roman Baths, Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery.

Make a Roman crown at the Roman Baths, design your own coronation cape at the Fashion Museum, or create a self-portrait worthy of a king or queen at the Victoria Art Gallery.

There’s also a chance to take a tour of the Local History Centre in Lansdown, which is normally closed to the public, and find out about the weird and wonderful spa objects stored there.

Cllr Richard Samuel, Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Resources, said: “We hope lots of families will come and enjoy our museums over the half-term holidays, whether taking part in Jubilee-themed craft sessions, exploring the Local History Centre, or simply looking around the museum displays. If you’re a local resident, you can get free admission to the Roman Baths, Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery – though it’s still advisable to book in advance.”

Activities are suitable for children aged 3+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Crowning Glory
The Roman Baths
Monday 30 May to Friday 3 June, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4pm

Explore coins and medals celebrating special events through the ages and make a Roman crown.

Included in admission price. Book online in advance to avoid disappointment.

All Dressed Up
The Fashion Museum
Tuesday 31 May, 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm

Make a coronation cape using special papers, fabric scraps and sequins.

Free drop-in activity in the Assembly Rooms. Tickets required to visit the Fashion Museum.

Superior Selfie
Victoria Art Gallery
Wednesday 1 June, 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm

Create a right royal self-portrait using drawing and collage.

Free drop-in activity in the Upper Gallery. Tickets required to visit the Bath Society of Artists exhibition in the Lower Gallery.

Local History Centre Tour
Tuesday 31 May 2022

Explore the weird and wonderful objects from the spa collection at the Local History Centre in Lansdown. Among the objects you’ll see are:

• Victorian needle douche showers
• A Vichy bath ­– a wet table on which Victorian spa-goers would lie to be showered with water and receive some of the latest spa treatments of the time
• Original Victorian spa visitor books
• The City of Bath’s weights and measures
• Historic furniture from the Pump Room and Guildhall

 Join a tour at 10am, midday or 2pm.

Join a tour at 10am, midday or 2pm.

Free but booking essential. Please email romanbaths_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk to book.

www.romanbaths.co.uk

www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

www.victoriagal.org.uk

There are also a number of locally organised events including:

Southside Centre - Afternoon Tea - 2.30pm - 4.30pm Tuesday 31st May - you need to book (01225 396980)

Southside Centre -  Children's Afternoon Tea - 2.30pm - 4.30pm Wednesday 1st June - this is fully booked

Southside Centre - Pirate Time - 1.00pm - 2.00pm - Friday 3rd June

Rose Cottage - Tea Party - 2.00pm - 4.00pm Friday 3rd June

The Centurian - Family Funday - 1.00pm - 6.00pm - Friday 3rd June

Bath City Farm - Picnic Time - 11.30am - 2.30pm - Saturday 4th June

New birth registration office opens

Parents of babies born in Bath and North East Somerset can now register the birth and find out about support for bringing up children throughout their younger years all in one place, thanks to the opening of a second register office in Bath.

Bath & North East Somerset Council officially opened the office on 24th May at the Bath Children and Family Centre in Charlotte Street which offers families easy access to the other services available at the hub - not only to the birth parent, but to the whole family network.

The register office has been opened in response to a government report which stated that registering births in family hubs provides an opportunity to alert parents to the support services available and improves the health outcomes of babies.

The Children and Family Centre’s location next to Charlotte St car park offers a convenient alternative to the council’s main register office in Bath at the Guildhall. The Centre was originally the register office for a hundred years until 2005.

Up to 4,500 babies per year are born in Bath and North East Somerset.

Sean Heneghan was the first parent to register a baby at the new office last week. Sean said: “The Children and Family Centre was very easy to find and was very accessible because of Charlotte Street car park.”

Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Congratulations to Mr Heneghan on his new addition. Registering the birth of a baby is a special occasion but it can also be an effort to travel with a newborn in tow, so I hope this new register office will prove convenient for families. There’s a wealth of support on offer at our Children and Family Centres that parents can find out about at this early opportunity, including baby massage, local toddler groups, parenting courses, programmes to support a child’s development, courses for families with additional needs and postnatal support.”

The new register office will be open from 9.15am to 4.00pm, Tuesdays to Fridays. Appointments should be booked online and birth certificates paid for in advance at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/register-birth

Further Update on Energy Rebate

The majority of the 43,000 eligible residents in Bath and North East Somerset who pay their council tax by direct debit have now received the Government’s £150 energy rebate, with the remainder set to be paid over the next two weeks.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is urging anyone not already on direct debit payments to sign up so that they can receive the money as soon as possible.

Anyone who does not have a direct debit will be contacted by the council by the end of June to invite them to make a claim.

There have been a number of cases where it has not been possible to make payments to existing direct debit payers, for example when bill and bank account names do not match or the bank has rejected the payment. The council is working to resolve this and will contact affected residents directly if needed.  

The government announced earlier this year that residents living in properties in Council Tax bands A to D will receive a £150 energy rebate as a one-off payment to help with rises in fuel bills. The money does not have to be repaid.

Families who do not qualify for the £150 energy rebate, for example those living in bands E and above, may qualify for a discretionary payment if they are on a low income or receive certain benefits. All awards will be for £150.

Residents will be eligible for the discretionary fund if they meet the following criteria:

• They are not entitled to the main energy rebate scheme as they are not liable for council tax or their home is in council tax band E or above
• They are directly liable for energy costs i.e. their name is on the electricity or gas bill
• They receive an income-based benefit including Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit OR have combined household earnings and pensions below £500 per week.

Further details, including the form to apply for the payments will be available on the council’s energy rebate web page when the scheme is open for applications.

Councillor Richard Samuel, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development and Resources, said: “Since the government announced the energy rebate we have worked to get the payments to residents in need as soon as possible. It’s been a huge task because adjustments were needed to the software and systems we use, but I’m pleased we have been able to get the money to the majority of households and this will total just under £9.6m when all the payments have been made.

“It’s really important that anyone who isn’t on direct debit signs up now so that we can speed up getting your payment to you. If you aren’t able to arrange a direct debit, we will contact you in the coming weeks with details of how you can apply for the rebate.”

Further updates will be added to the energy rebate webpage.

The website includes a link to check households' Council Tax bands for anyone unsure which band their property is in.

The council is also highlighting support that some families might not be aware of and is encouraging people who are struggling to pay their bills to seek help and advice before financial problems become a real crisis.

More information is available online about free school meals vouchers, the Welfare Support Scheme , Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support , Discretionary Housing Payment, Welcome Cafes and Food Clubs, the BANES Food Finder, the Community Wellbeing Hub, Citizens Advice Bath and North East Somerset.

Residents can also email welfare_support@bathnes.gov.uk or call 01225 477277. Monday to Thursday 9am to 4.30pm and Friday 9am to 4pm

Free School Meal vouchers for upcoming holidays

Families in Bath and North East Somerset who are eligible for free school meals will be provided with supermarket vouchers to cover the upcoming school holidays by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

However, the council is notifying parents and carers of a reduction in the value of the vouchers caused by new restrictions on funding set by the Government.

Families will be offered supermarket vouchers to the value of £15 per child instead of the £20 per child per week offered for previous school holidays, due to new rules about how the Government’s Household Support Fund to support vulnerable households should be spent.

The new conditions of the fund being awarded to councils is that at least one third is used to support pensioner households.

From today (May 26), eligible families who received vouchers during the Easter break will automatically be sent an e-mail asking if they wish to receive a £15 voucher for their child.

Once they confirm, a second email will be sent containing ‘Select’ codes with a web link to the council’s supplier, Hawk Incentives, taking them to a page where they will be presented with a selection of supermarkets to choose from and a reward total which can be split between different supermarkets. Codes can be added for each qualifying child to increase the reward total.

Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, and Communities, said: “We continue to support vulnerable people of all ages in Bath and North East Somerset, however I am very disappointed that we have been given no choice but to reduce the amount of the free school meal vouchers to £15 per child per week. It’s a similar picture for other local authorities too. 

“We know that families on fixed or low incomes are disproportionately affected by the cost of living going up, so it is saddening to me that there is no flexibility in the Government’s approach about how councils can administer the Household Support Fund. I will be making representations to the Government so they understand the impact the new grant conditions have on families with children.

“However, despite the reduction in the value of the vouchers, the council is still supporting residents in every way we can. Households in emergency need can access other support with food across the area, including via our Welfare Support Team and the Community Wellbeing Hub.”

Anyone eligible for benefit related free school meals and has not claimed a voucher previously can make a claim through the council’s free school meals web portal which will open during the afternoon of May 26.

Parents and carers are also being notified that a data discrepancy has been identified in which fewer emails have been automatically generated than the number of eligible families. This affects a small proportion of families and anyone affected will receive an email about this.

Anyone eligible for the vouchers who does not have electronic means of contacting the council should telephone the Benefits team on 01225 477777.

Energy Rebate Update

We have just had confirmation that after some technical hiccups the payments to direct debit council tax payers are now going out. The majority should be in resident's bank accounts by Monday. 

 

Work has started on the remaining council tax payers who do not pay by direct debit. A letter will be going to all of these shortly with details how to claim. 

 

The energy rebate is only payable to those in bands A to D but residents in hardship in bands E to G can also apply.