Report to Blackdown and Neroche Parishes February 2025
from Cllrs Sarah Wakefield and Ross Henley
2025/26 Somerset Council budget setting:
The government just has announced that the council will be permitted to increase council tax by a total of 7.5% which is 2.5% above the referendum limit. This will be proposed as part of the budget setting process due to be approved at a Full Council meeting planned for 26th February but now moved to 5th March due to delays in receiving full details of our financial settlement from government. Increased council tax will help to plug the budget gap of some £65m but will only raise an extra £9m or so towards it. Further heartbreaking decisions to avoid bankruptcy are having to be made including a reduction in staff numbers (over 500) and services too. Until social care for children and adults is put on a proper financial footing across the country and is not paid for primarily from council tax receipts this problem is likely to continue. Government grants eg Better Care Fund do of course help to pay for social care.
Wessex Devolution and Mayoral Deal:
We have heard now that Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and BCP (Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole) will NOT be in the first tranche of combined authorities given priority status. This is despite the time and effort devoted to putting together a very good case and many meetings with ministers. Of concern is that monies from the other economic development grants being wound up will now be directed to other parts of the country.
Transformation of the Council Workforce:
Details of the new structures of departments have been published in committee papers with a view to them coming into force on 1st April 2025. A great deal of work has been carried out including consultation with staff and unions together with much re-aligning of staff complements and deletion of unfilled vacancies. The aim is for a leaner and fitter organisation making a greater use of innovations such as AI to assist their work. It is inevitable, however, that longer delays will be experienced in some areas of service.
Storm Herminia and flood damage:
Work is continuing to clean up the damage caused to properties and businesses - much of which was in the former South Somerset area. This has been a huge task for staff and our partners which has caused delays in some of the other highways and flood risk management areas.
Cold weather (again):
In view of cold weather warnings SC has again implemented its Severe Weather Emergency Procedure (SWEP) in the former Mendip area from Wednesday night 5th February until Tuesday 11 February. SWEP aims to ensure that no one dies on the streets due to severe weather and to ensure that every effort is made to engage individuals with support. Beds for the night in warm spaces are offered to those who are homeless and rough sleeping. People can report concerns about rough sleepers through StreetLink online.
Other news:
•Mayday Saxonvale (a resident led development company) has been given the opportunity to buy the former industrial Saxonvale site in Frome by the end of March 2025. This after a campaign led by local groups and the withdrawal of the preferred developer from its bid to buy and develop the site which is right in the town itself.
•£500k has been awarded to Somerset from the Urban Tree Challenge Fund for trees to be planted in parks in urban areas. This includes 403 trees which have been planted in Taunton parks.
•The first of the Town Deal projects in Glastonbury has been completed. This regeneration of parts of the town has been funded by an award of a government grant.
•The Triangle - part of the Yeovil refresh project - has been completed and opened.
•Adult Social Care are running a series of webinars over the next few weeks about preparing for caring - for carers and those needing care - including legal advice about guardianship and capacity issues and practical advice on where to find help and guidance as well as tech solutions for many of the issues arising for those living with ill health or disabilities. Details can be found on our website under ‘navigating care and costs y adult care roadshow’.
from Cllrs Sarah Wakefield and Ross Henley
2025/26 Somerset Council budget setting:
The government just has announced that the council will be permitted to increase council tax by a total of 7.5% which is 2.5% above the referendum limit. This will be proposed as part of the budget setting process due to be approved at a Full Council meeting planned for 26th February but now moved to 5th March due to delays in receiving full details of our financial settlement from government. Increased council tax will help to plug the budget gap of some £65m but will only raise an extra £9m or so towards it. Further heartbreaking decisions to avoid bankruptcy are having to be made including a reduction in staff numbers (over 500) and services too. Until social care for children and adults is put on a proper financial footing across the country and is not paid for primarily from council tax receipts this problem is likely to continue. Government grants eg Better Care Fund do of course help to pay for social care.
Wessex Devolution and Mayoral Deal:
We have heard now that Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and BCP (Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole) will NOT be in the first tranche of combined authorities given priority status. This is despite the time and effort devoted to putting together a very good case and many meetings with ministers. Of concern is that monies from the other economic development grants being wound up will now be directed to other parts of the country.
Transformation of the Council Workforce:
Details of the new structures of departments have been published in committee papers with a view to them coming into force on 1st April 2025. A great deal of work has been carried out including consultation with staff and unions together with much re-aligning of staff complements and deletion of unfilled vacancies. The aim is for a leaner and fitter organisation making a greater use of innovations such as AI to assist their work. It is inevitable, however, that longer delays will be experienced in some areas of service.
Storm Herminia and flood damage:
Work is continuing to clean up the damage caused to properties and businesses - much of which was in the former South Somerset area. This has been a huge task for staff and our partners which has caused delays in some of the other highways and flood risk management areas.
Cold weather (again):
In view of cold weather warnings SC has again implemented its Severe Weather Emergency Procedure (SWEP) in the former Mendip area from Wednesday night 5th February until Tuesday 11 February. SWEP aims to ensure that no one dies on the streets due to severe weather and to ensure that every effort is made to engage individuals with support. Beds for the night in warm spaces are offered to those who are homeless and rough sleeping. People can report concerns about rough sleepers through StreetLink online.
Other news:
•Mayday Saxonvale (a resident led development company) has been given the opportunity to buy the former industrial Saxonvale site in Frome by the end of March 2025. This after a campaign led by local groups and the withdrawal of the preferred developer from its bid to buy and develop the site which is right in the town itself.
•£500k has been awarded to Somerset from the Urban Tree Challenge Fund for trees to be planted in parks in urban areas. This includes 403 trees which have been planted in Taunton parks.
•The first of the Town Deal projects in Glastonbury has been completed. This regeneration of parts of the town has been funded by an award of a government grant.
•The Triangle - part of the Yeovil refresh project - has been completed and opened.
•Adult Social Care are running a series of webinars over the next few weeks about preparing for caring - for carers and those needing care - including legal advice about guardianship and capacity issues and practical advice on where to find help and guidance as well as tech solutions for many of the issues arising for those living with ill health or disabilities. Details can be found on our website under ‘navigating care and costs y adult care roadshow’.
| sc_finance_update_sept_24v2.pdf |
SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL
APRIL 2023
APRIL 2023
| sc_april_23_report.pdf |
SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL
JANUARY 2023
Local Government Reorganisation
Budget
Budget setting work has been ongoing since July 2022 when the Executive agreed the Medium Term Financial Strategy & Plan. The proposed balanced budget will be considered for the first time at Executive on Wednesday 18th January.
It is a requirement for the budget to be balanced with Local Authorities unable to approve a deficit budget. The administration has concentrated on balancing the protection of services previously delivered by District Councils and the greater need for social care services in both Adults and Childrens, due to the lasting effects of Covid-19.
Savings from the move from five to one Council are critical at this time, and are acknowledged as both creating more work and providing a significant part of the solution to the current financial challenge.
Full Council on 22nd Feb will approve the Revenue Budget for 23/24, the Capital Programme and the Treasury Management Strategy for the new Council
The papers will be published here: https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=433&MId=1736
Local Community Networks
The latest papers relating to the proposed Local Community Network structure (including geography) are set to be published ahead of the Executive meeting on Wednesday 18th January.
The proposals take into consideration the hundreds of responses received from the formal consultation exercise undertaken last year and will form the starting point for the networks.
The papers will be published here: https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=433&MId=1736
Recruitment
Recruitment of senior roles in the new Council is progressing at pace, with the appointments of Tier 2 posts underway.
Three of the Executive Director posts are unchanged and so Director of Adults, Director of Childrens (Acting) and Director of Public Health remain.
Four new posts are being recruited: Director of Resources; Director of Community Services; Director of Climate & Place; Director of Strategy, Workforce & Localities
Tier 3 posts will also be appointed before Vesting Day on 1st April.
Peer Review
A Local Government Association light touch Peer Review was undertaken in December by senior Officers and Members from other Councils including Unitary councils.
The report will be considered by the Executive on Wednesday 18th Jan, it is helpful in giving reassurance where work is progressing well, and shining a light where additional focus and resources are needed. The feedback of the work undertaken to date and planned ahead of Vesting Day was positive.
Strategies and Policies
Strategies for the new Somerset Council will come forward to Full Council in February, including the Asset Strategy and Management Plan. The new Cultural Strategy for Somerset is also well underway and will come to the Executive and Full Council.
Policies are also needed to be aligned across the five Councils and in place for Vesting Day. The employment policies are going through the HR Committee, and then on to Full Council.
New branding for Somerset Council confirmed
The new brand, featuring a version of the Somerset Dragon from the county’s coat of arms, has been designed by an in-house team at the council and was developed after testing with staff and residents. Council services will be badged by a white dragon’s head placed in a teal five-sided shape, representing the five councils that will be replaced by the new council.
As well as keeping costs down by designing the branding with an in-house team made up of designers from Sedgemoor and South Somerset District Councils, working with colleagues from Somerset County Council, the paper approved by Executive also proposes that the new council should avoid a branding “Big Bang”, rolling out the new brand over time and accepting that branding from the existing councils will continue to be seen around the county for some years to come.
The design team has gone to great lengths to make the new brand clear and accessible, with the key colour supporting the highest level of accessibility and using a new typeface, Atkinson Hyper-legible, a font designed with the Braille Institute in the United States.
The new branding will first appear where the council has a legal responsibility to identify itself as providers of services, from council tax statements to parking signs. It will also provide brand new services such as Somerset’s Council’s single new website.
As well as the dragon’s head, the design team has included topographical outlines of 12 Somerset landmarks, from Glastonbury Tor to Knowle Hill, to link the council’s publications to the county it serves. The new council plans to add other landmarks over coming years in response to suggestions from residents.
People in Somerset are challenged to ditch the booze and ‘Try Dry’ this January
Just thirty-one days without alcohol can positively impact on health - improving sleep, boosting energy, reducing anxiety, and saving money, to name just a few of the benefits.
That’s why this year, Somerset County Council is encouraging residents and employees to sign up to Dry January and discover the many benefits of going alcohol-free, including the financial, physical, and medical benefits this can bring.
Drinking alcohol is linked to more than 60 health conditions, including liver disease, high blood pressure, depression, and seven types of cancer. Every day in the UK, 20 people die as a result of their drinking.
Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages. Annually, it is estimated that alcohol costs the NHS £3.5 billion in England alone.
People can download an app to track their units, money and calories saved, plus many more features. Or they can sign up at www.dryjanuary.org.uk for regular support emails with tips and tricks from experts and others taking part.
With many families put under tremendous strain during Covid-19 and the ongoing challenges with the cost of living crisis, many people have turned to increased drinking. However, as well as the short term benefits, research shows that Dry January can help people to drink more healthily year-round.
If you drink very heavily or regularly Dry January may not be for you, so check with your GP or local alcohol service before you start. Where an individual is experiencing physical symptoms when they stop drinking (which may include but are not limited to: shakes, sweating, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, stomach cramps or hallucinations) they should seek medical help urgently.
The Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) delivered by the charity Turning Point, provides free and confidential support for people wanting to make changes to their relationship with alcohol. For support speak to your GP, call SDAS 0300 303 8788 or visit www.turning-point.co.uk/sdas
‘Bus It’ for £2 on single bus journeys across Somerset
Bus users in Somerset will be able to travel on most routes in the county for just £2 from January.
The major fare cut is part of an initiative funded by the Government aimed at boosting bus use while helping passengers to save money as the cost of living crisis continues to bite, fuelled in part by high petrol and diesel prices.
The £2 single fare is available from all participating operators from 1 January to 31 March. The initiative will apply to the majority of routes in Somerset. You can check here https://www.somerset.gov.uk/busit to see find out more about the scheme.
Somerset County Council and the Somerset Bus Partnership have launched the ‘Bus It’ campaign to encourage more people to use bus services at a time when many routes are under threat due to lack of use. It’s hoped the new £2 fare will provide a major boost to patronage and support these aims.
The six operators involved are:
Somerset ‘warm welcome’ spaces opened across County
Somerset County Council together with District colleagues are supporting the rollout of "Warm Welcome” spaces across the County. As temperatures fall this winter and energy bills skyrocket, these venues will provide places where people can find warmth, company, and support.
Over 70 spaces are now open to anyone who wants somewhere warm and welcoming to go, with many more planning to open their doors in the coming weeks.
The venues include Somerset County Council libraries, village halls, churches and café’s, and will provide a warm and friendly environment where people can socialise, stay warm and access information and support for their wellbeing.
The locations have all signed up to the ‘Warm Welcome Charter’ – a set of five core principles that every warm space adheres to:
To find out more about the support available throughout the Cost of Living crisis, please visit www.somerset.gov.uk/cost-of-living
Council unveils new proposals for evening bus services
Evening bus services on some key routes are set to be introduced as part of a major shake-up aimed at increasing bus use. Somerset County Council has revealed plans to subsidise evening services connecting Taunton with the towns of Minehead, Bridgwater, Wellington and Chard after 8pm and running to at least 10.30pm. Currently most of the services stop between 8-8.30pm.
The evening bus proposals are part of Somerset’s Government-funded Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which aims to increase bus patronage by radically improving the public transport offer for people in Somerset.
From 5 December a £1 fare becomes effective for any single bus journey in Taunton, and further measures are planned under the BSIP in the coming months.
The proposed evening bus routes, which need to be formally approved by the Council are as follows:
Somerset County Council and the Somerset Bus Partnership have launched the ‘Bus It’ campaign to support the BSIP improvements and encourage more people to use bus services at a time when many routes have been lost or are under threat due to lack of patronage.
Visit https://www.somerset.gov.uk/busit to find out about ticket deals and calculate how much you could save. For updates on traffic and travel follow @travelsomerset on Twitter and Facebook.
Somerset County Council gets to work on play at packed Bridgwater conference
A conference exploring the way different environments can help children play has been hosted in Bridgwater, bringing together teachers, childminders, and education professionals specialising in children’s early years.
Hosted by Somerset County Council’s Early Years team, the ‘Environments – Make a Difference’ conference took place at Canalside Conference Centre and attracted 140 professionals from across the sector.
The conference focused on how the environment a child learns or plays in has an essential role in supporting their learning and development, and started with a keynote speech from Ben Kingston-Hughes, a multi-award-winning trainer and author of “A Very Unusual Journey Into Play”.
Drawing upon his experiences of working with vulnerable children, Ben explained the importance of play for young children, and how those experiences directly affect their development, behaviour, well-being, and creativity. His distinctive blend of humour and passionate delivery engaged the audience and delegates were genuinely inspired.
Attendees were then invited to take part in two different workshops, choosing from the following, led by early years experts:
Somerset Early Years and Childcare Service is recruiting more childminders. For more information about becoming a childminder, and for an information pack, please call 0300 123 2224 or visit www.somerset.gov.uk/register
MBE honour for Somerset Libraries manager Sue
A long-serving libraries manager from Bridgwater has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List.
Sue Crowley, Somerset County Council’s Strategic Manager for Library and Registration Services, has been honoured for her contribution to public library services.
Sue’s connection with Somerset Libraries first began when she volunteered at Yeovil Library while still an A-level student at Yeovil College. After completing her degree in Librarianship at Aberystwyth University, she went on to work in Berkshire, Surrey, Dorset and the London Borough Of Hounslow before returning to Somerset when she got married in 1990.
Sue said: “A member of staff told me then, ‘you’ll never leave’ and how prescient was that, because I never did! I have always tried to make the most of whatever opportunities there have been so since then I have worked in probably every part of the Somerset Libraries Service, before assuming a lead role in 2012.
“When I first received the email informing me that I had been recommended for the MBE I have to confess to double checking that it wasn’t a spam message before registering the reality of it. I’ve just started reading Sheila Hancock’s new book, ‘Old Rage’ and she talks about the time she heard she had been nominated for an OBE – ‘It is very nice of them all to have thought of me, but who do they think I am?’ It resonates!
“Libraries are a powerful resource that are often underestimated – talk with any member of staff and they will be able to share stories about how a visit to the library has helped make a difference to people’s lives, sometimes in very practical ways, such as helping to find a job, sometimes in less obvious ways by providing a place of safety, or even refuge.
“I feel I am accepting this award on behalf of all those who have worked and who will continue to work in our libraries ensuring they remain relevant, welcoming and fun places. They help us make sense of what is an increasingly divisive and chaotic world and as I work towards my own retirement in a few months’ time I will look forward to continuing to visit and use libraries once again as a very happy library user.”
Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset County Council, said: “Sue has been at the heart of our library services for many years and we are delighted to hear this news. Huge congratulations on a very well-deserved honour.”
GET INVOLVED
Hundreds sign up to help shape council services
More than 300 people have signed up to help shape the future of council services in Somerset.
From April 2023, Somerset’s five councils will be replaced by the new unitary Somerset Council which will deliver all council services to all communities – from waste collection and adult social care to housing, benefits and parks.
A new Customer Panel has been established to ensure residents are at the heart of those services.
Since launching in August, more than 300 people have stepped forward – with members already providing valuable feedback on important work like the development of a new council brand.
No special skills are required to join the panel, all you need is a willingness to take part in three research topics each year and provide honest and constructive feedback. Panel members will have the chance to take part in online surveys, one-to-one interviews, usability tests and discussion groups.
You can get involved in a number of different ways. Please find out more via our website (https://playbook.somerset.gov.uk/our-customer-panel/), or you can register by calling 0300 123 2224.
JANUARY 2023
Local Government Reorganisation
Budget
Budget setting work has been ongoing since July 2022 when the Executive agreed the Medium Term Financial Strategy & Plan. The proposed balanced budget will be considered for the first time at Executive on Wednesday 18th January.
It is a requirement for the budget to be balanced with Local Authorities unable to approve a deficit budget. The administration has concentrated on balancing the protection of services previously delivered by District Councils and the greater need for social care services in both Adults and Childrens, due to the lasting effects of Covid-19.
Savings from the move from five to one Council are critical at this time, and are acknowledged as both creating more work and providing a significant part of the solution to the current financial challenge.
Full Council on 22nd Feb will approve the Revenue Budget for 23/24, the Capital Programme and the Treasury Management Strategy for the new Council
The papers will be published here: https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=433&MId=1736
Local Community Networks
The latest papers relating to the proposed Local Community Network structure (including geography) are set to be published ahead of the Executive meeting on Wednesday 18th January.
The proposals take into consideration the hundreds of responses received from the formal consultation exercise undertaken last year and will form the starting point for the networks.
The papers will be published here: https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=433&MId=1736
Recruitment
Recruitment of senior roles in the new Council is progressing at pace, with the appointments of Tier 2 posts underway.
Three of the Executive Director posts are unchanged and so Director of Adults, Director of Childrens (Acting) and Director of Public Health remain.
Four new posts are being recruited: Director of Resources; Director of Community Services; Director of Climate & Place; Director of Strategy, Workforce & Localities
Tier 3 posts will also be appointed before Vesting Day on 1st April.
Peer Review
A Local Government Association light touch Peer Review was undertaken in December by senior Officers and Members from other Councils including Unitary councils.
The report will be considered by the Executive on Wednesday 18th Jan, it is helpful in giving reassurance where work is progressing well, and shining a light where additional focus and resources are needed. The feedback of the work undertaken to date and planned ahead of Vesting Day was positive.
Strategies and Policies
Strategies for the new Somerset Council will come forward to Full Council in February, including the Asset Strategy and Management Plan. The new Cultural Strategy for Somerset is also well underway and will come to the Executive and Full Council.
Policies are also needed to be aligned across the five Councils and in place for Vesting Day. The employment policies are going through the HR Committee, and then on to Full Council.
New branding for Somerset Council confirmed
The new brand, featuring a version of the Somerset Dragon from the county’s coat of arms, has been designed by an in-house team at the council and was developed after testing with staff and residents. Council services will be badged by a white dragon’s head placed in a teal five-sided shape, representing the five councils that will be replaced by the new council.
As well as keeping costs down by designing the branding with an in-house team made up of designers from Sedgemoor and South Somerset District Councils, working with colleagues from Somerset County Council, the paper approved by Executive also proposes that the new council should avoid a branding “Big Bang”, rolling out the new brand over time and accepting that branding from the existing councils will continue to be seen around the county for some years to come.
The design team has gone to great lengths to make the new brand clear and accessible, with the key colour supporting the highest level of accessibility and using a new typeface, Atkinson Hyper-legible, a font designed with the Braille Institute in the United States.
The new branding will first appear where the council has a legal responsibility to identify itself as providers of services, from council tax statements to parking signs. It will also provide brand new services such as Somerset’s Council’s single new website.
As well as the dragon’s head, the design team has included topographical outlines of 12 Somerset landmarks, from Glastonbury Tor to Knowle Hill, to link the council’s publications to the county it serves. The new council plans to add other landmarks over coming years in response to suggestions from residents.
People in Somerset are challenged to ditch the booze and ‘Try Dry’ this January
Just thirty-one days without alcohol can positively impact on health - improving sleep, boosting energy, reducing anxiety, and saving money, to name just a few of the benefits.
That’s why this year, Somerset County Council is encouraging residents and employees to sign up to Dry January and discover the many benefits of going alcohol-free, including the financial, physical, and medical benefits this can bring.
Drinking alcohol is linked to more than 60 health conditions, including liver disease, high blood pressure, depression, and seven types of cancer. Every day in the UK, 20 people die as a result of their drinking.
Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages. Annually, it is estimated that alcohol costs the NHS £3.5 billion in England alone.
People can download an app to track their units, money and calories saved, plus many more features. Or they can sign up at www.dryjanuary.org.uk for regular support emails with tips and tricks from experts and others taking part.
With many families put under tremendous strain during Covid-19 and the ongoing challenges with the cost of living crisis, many people have turned to increased drinking. However, as well as the short term benefits, research shows that Dry January can help people to drink more healthily year-round.
If you drink very heavily or regularly Dry January may not be for you, so check with your GP or local alcohol service before you start. Where an individual is experiencing physical symptoms when they stop drinking (which may include but are not limited to: shakes, sweating, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, stomach cramps or hallucinations) they should seek medical help urgently.
The Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) delivered by the charity Turning Point, provides free and confidential support for people wanting to make changes to their relationship with alcohol. For support speak to your GP, call SDAS 0300 303 8788 or visit www.turning-point.co.uk/sdas
‘Bus It’ for £2 on single bus journeys across Somerset
Bus users in Somerset will be able to travel on most routes in the county for just £2 from January.
The major fare cut is part of an initiative funded by the Government aimed at boosting bus use while helping passengers to save money as the cost of living crisis continues to bite, fuelled in part by high petrol and diesel prices.
The £2 single fare is available from all participating operators from 1 January to 31 March. The initiative will apply to the majority of routes in Somerset. You can check here https://www.somerset.gov.uk/busit to see find out more about the scheme.
Somerset County Council and the Somerset Bus Partnership have launched the ‘Bus It’ campaign to encourage more people to use bus services at a time when many routes are under threat due to lack of use. It’s hoped the new £2 fare will provide a major boost to patronage and support these aims.
The six operators involved are:
- Dartline
- Faresaver Buses
- First South West (Buses of Somerset)
- First West of England
- Hatch Green Coaches
- South West Coaches
Somerset ‘warm welcome’ spaces opened across County
Somerset County Council together with District colleagues are supporting the rollout of "Warm Welcome” spaces across the County. As temperatures fall this winter and energy bills skyrocket, these venues will provide places where people can find warmth, company, and support.
Over 70 spaces are now open to anyone who wants somewhere warm and welcoming to go, with many more planning to open their doors in the coming weeks.
The venues include Somerset County Council libraries, village halls, churches and café’s, and will provide a warm and friendly environment where people can socialise, stay warm and access information and support for their wellbeing.
The locations have all signed up to the ‘Warm Welcome Charter’ – a set of five core principles that every warm space adheres to:
- You’ll get a Warm Welcome as well as a warm space
- Everyone is treated equally, with dignity and respect
- Our Warm Welcome will be a safe space
- We will not tell anyone about you visiting a Warm Welcome
- It doesn’t matter why you need a Warm Welcome
To find out more about the support available throughout the Cost of Living crisis, please visit www.somerset.gov.uk/cost-of-living
Council unveils new proposals for evening bus services
Evening bus services on some key routes are set to be introduced as part of a major shake-up aimed at increasing bus use. Somerset County Council has revealed plans to subsidise evening services connecting Taunton with the towns of Minehead, Bridgwater, Wellington and Chard after 8pm and running to at least 10.30pm. Currently most of the services stop between 8-8.30pm.
The evening bus proposals are part of Somerset’s Government-funded Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which aims to increase bus patronage by radically improving the public transport offer for people in Somerset.
From 5 December a £1 fare becomes effective for any single bus journey in Taunton, and further measures are planned under the BSIP in the coming months.
The proposed evening bus routes, which need to be formally approved by the Council are as follows:
- 21 Bridgwater to Taunton (Musgrove Hospital to Bridgwater Bus station – last bus from Musgrove Park 11.04pm)
- 22 Wellington to Taunton - last bus from Taunton 11.05pm
- 28 Minehead to Taunton - (including Cotford St Luke and Norton Fitzwarren on the route. Last bus from Taunton 10.30pm – 10.15pm from Minehead
- 30 Chard to Taunton - last bus from Taunton 10.10 (via Gateway Park and Ride)
- 1 service Taunton to Priorswood/Musgrove Park/Silk Mills Park and Ride -last departure from town centre to Silk Mills 10.35pm/last departure to Priorswood at 11pm
Somerset County Council and the Somerset Bus Partnership have launched the ‘Bus It’ campaign to support the BSIP improvements and encourage more people to use bus services at a time when many routes have been lost or are under threat due to lack of patronage.
Visit https://www.somerset.gov.uk/busit to find out about ticket deals and calculate how much you could save. For updates on traffic and travel follow @travelsomerset on Twitter and Facebook.
Somerset County Council gets to work on play at packed Bridgwater conference
A conference exploring the way different environments can help children play has been hosted in Bridgwater, bringing together teachers, childminders, and education professionals specialising in children’s early years.
Hosted by Somerset County Council’s Early Years team, the ‘Environments – Make a Difference’ conference took place at Canalside Conference Centre and attracted 140 professionals from across the sector.
The conference focused on how the environment a child learns or plays in has an essential role in supporting their learning and development, and started with a keynote speech from Ben Kingston-Hughes, a multi-award-winning trainer and author of “A Very Unusual Journey Into Play”.
Drawing upon his experiences of working with vulnerable children, Ben explained the importance of play for young children, and how those experiences directly affect their development, behaviour, well-being, and creativity. His distinctive blend of humour and passionate delivery engaged the audience and delegates were genuinely inspired.
Attendees were then invited to take part in two different workshops, choosing from the following, led by early years experts:
- Loose parts play – building the future – Ben Kingston-Hughes
- Loving pedagogy – Tamsin Grimmer, Early Education Consultant
- Creating a communication friendly environment for preschool children – Amanda Griffiths, Speech & Language Adviser
- Environments that support children’s emotional well-being – Julia Gaskell, Head of Training, Agency and Alumni, Norland College
- Multi-sensory environments, Rebecca Fisk, Somerset Early Years SEND Service
- Musical Play Spaces – creating enabling environments for musical expression – Take Art, Jane Parker and Eliza Wylie
- Physical Active environments – Stuart Kennard, Zing Somerset Children and Families Worker SASP.
Somerset Early Years and Childcare Service is recruiting more childminders. For more information about becoming a childminder, and for an information pack, please call 0300 123 2224 or visit www.somerset.gov.uk/register
MBE honour for Somerset Libraries manager Sue
A long-serving libraries manager from Bridgwater has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List.
Sue Crowley, Somerset County Council’s Strategic Manager for Library and Registration Services, has been honoured for her contribution to public library services.
Sue’s connection with Somerset Libraries first began when she volunteered at Yeovil Library while still an A-level student at Yeovil College. After completing her degree in Librarianship at Aberystwyth University, she went on to work in Berkshire, Surrey, Dorset and the London Borough Of Hounslow before returning to Somerset when she got married in 1990.
Sue said: “A member of staff told me then, ‘you’ll never leave’ and how prescient was that, because I never did! I have always tried to make the most of whatever opportunities there have been so since then I have worked in probably every part of the Somerset Libraries Service, before assuming a lead role in 2012.
“When I first received the email informing me that I had been recommended for the MBE I have to confess to double checking that it wasn’t a spam message before registering the reality of it. I’ve just started reading Sheila Hancock’s new book, ‘Old Rage’ and she talks about the time she heard she had been nominated for an OBE – ‘It is very nice of them all to have thought of me, but who do they think I am?’ It resonates!
“Libraries are a powerful resource that are often underestimated – talk with any member of staff and they will be able to share stories about how a visit to the library has helped make a difference to people’s lives, sometimes in very practical ways, such as helping to find a job, sometimes in less obvious ways by providing a place of safety, or even refuge.
“I feel I am accepting this award on behalf of all those who have worked and who will continue to work in our libraries ensuring they remain relevant, welcoming and fun places. They help us make sense of what is an increasingly divisive and chaotic world and as I work towards my own retirement in a few months’ time I will look forward to continuing to visit and use libraries once again as a very happy library user.”
Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset County Council, said: “Sue has been at the heart of our library services for many years and we are delighted to hear this news. Huge congratulations on a very well-deserved honour.”
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Hundreds sign up to help shape council services
More than 300 people have signed up to help shape the future of council services in Somerset.
From April 2023, Somerset’s five councils will be replaced by the new unitary Somerset Council which will deliver all council services to all communities – from waste collection and adult social care to housing, benefits and parks.
A new Customer Panel has been established to ensure residents are at the heart of those services.
Since launching in August, more than 300 people have stepped forward – with members already providing valuable feedback on important work like the development of a new council brand.
No special skills are required to join the panel, all you need is a willingness to take part in three research topics each year and provide honest and constructive feedback. Panel members will have the chance to take part in online surveys, one-to-one interviews, usability tests and discussion groups.
You can get involved in a number of different ways. Please find out more via our website (https://playbook.somerset.gov.uk/our-customer-panel/), or you can register by calling 0300 123 2224.