Monthly Archives: April 2020

Council tax hardship relief scheme launched during Covid-19

Council tax hardship relief scheme launched during Covid-19

Thousands of working age residents in Bath and North East Somerset are set to have their council tax reduced to help prevent financial hardship during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has made an urgent decision to reduce council tax liability to lessen people’s financial burden at a time when they may already be on a reduced income due to stay-at-home measures.

The council’s deputy leader, Richard Samuel, made the decision which authorises officers to immediately reduce the council tax liability for all working age recipients of Local Council Tax Support during 2020/21 by the lower figure of their remaining liability for that year, or £150.

In many cases, this will reduce the amount residents have to pay to nil.

The scheme is funded by the Government’s £500m hardship fund for local authorities.

Councillor Richard Samuel said: “Many people in Bath and North East Somerset are suffering from financial hardship caused by the economic impacts of Covid-19. We want to offer them urgent help to lessen the burden, which is why I have made the decision to reduce council tax liability for people of working age to come into effect as soon as possible.

“This decision would normally require a full council meeting, but due to the urgency of the situation and councillors being unable to meet at the moment, I have had no choice but to go ahead so we can support our residents.  A full report will be made to the next available council meeting explaining the decision, the reasons for it and why the decision was treated as a matter of urgency.”

The decision was made under part 4C, Rule 4 of the council’s constitution as an urgent decision. It can be viewed by following this link https://democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?id=1391&LLL=0

More information about council tax support can be found here https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-support

Changes to community maternity services agreed as CCG continues to respond to current coronavirus challenge

Changes to community maternity services agreed as CCG continues to respond to current coronavirus challenge

Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group has today agreed a set of recommendations that will maintain the health and wellbeing of mums-to-be during the current coronavirus outbreak. The changes, which were agreed at an extraordinary public meeting on Thursday 30 April, will ensure families are kept safe at this current… Read More…

Local doctors urge people to continue accessing healthcare as and when they need it

Local doctors urge people to continue accessing healthcare as and when they need it

Not seeking medical help for symptoms that could be the early warning signs of serious conditions such as cancer could be putting lives at risk. That is the stark warning from doctors across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire as new data shows a considerable drop in the number of people coming forward… Read More…

Bath and North East Somerset residents updated on Covid-19 impacts

Bath and North East Somerset residents updated on Covid-19 impacts

A letter outlining the financial impact of Covid-19 on council services and updating residents about the way Bath & North East Somerset Council is supporting communities during the coronavirus outbreak is being sent to all households. Residents in Bath and North East Somerset will receive the letter from council leader Dine Romero and chief executive… Read More…

Wiltshire Council encourages residents to celebrate VE Day at home

Wiltshire Council encourages residents to celebrate VE Day at home

Wiltshire Council has created a special VE Day at home pack to help residents of all ages celebrate and mark the 75th anniversary of this historic moment in time. With social distancing measures still in place, the pack contains simple advice and suggestions to have a household garden party on 8 May, which this year… Read More…

Have fun at home with Somerset libraries

Have fun at home with Somerset libraries

Hundreds of Somerset families are getting involved in a brand-new library offer – run entirely through social media! Library staff are continuing to provide a fun-filled events and activities programme using digital platforms whilst library buildings are temporarily closed. Video story times are attracting thousands of viewers and there are activities to suit all ages,… Read More…

We are all #InItTogether

We are all #InItTogether

Wiltshire Council is working with Salisbury District Hospital and service providers across Wiltshire to highlight that we’re all #InItTogether when responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent weeks key workers delivering critical services for the council have been threatened and verbally abused. This includes being shouted out, sworn at and racially abused. The hospital is… Read More…

Four parks reopened in Bath

Four parks reopened in Bath

Four parks in central Bath have reopened today in response to the Government direction that public parks should be open for people to enjoy fresh air and green space. Bath & North East Somerset Council has opened the Botanical Gardens, Royal Victoria Park, Queen Square and the Parade Gardens in Bath for residents to use… Read More…

Ignyte Ltd. Reg number 7125489. Registered in England and Wales. Registered address: Bathway Farm, Bathway, Chewton Mendip, Somerset, BA3 4LN | Refund Policy | Privacy Policy | Payment Terms