Residents from across Bath and North East Somerset are being reminded they have two opportunities this week to help shape the council’s future priorities and spending plans.
As part of the administration’s commitment to giving local people a bigger say, cabinet members, together with the authority’s chief executive, will host public meetings at the Guildhall in Bath at 6.30pm on Tuesday 17th December and at the Community Space in Keynsham at 6.30pm on Thursday 19th December.
Councillor Dine Romero, council leader, said: “When I took over as council leader in May I set out a range of ambitions for the council, including tackling the climate emergency and giving local people a bigger say. I believe the council exists for a clear purpose – to improve people’s lives.
“That purpose provides the foundation on which our proposed commitments, service provision and spending are based.
“Despite the financial challenge we face, I am optimistic about what we can achieve if we are creative. Through sharing and discussing our ambitious plans we can ensure the council spends its money in the right way, at the right time on the projects people want and need.”
As well as setting out the council’s plans to produce a balanced budget, cabinet members will outline investment plans to deliver on key commitments such as tackling the climate emergency, delivering affordable housing and reducing congestion.
Councillor Richard Samuel, deputy council leader, said: “The council’s new strategy and spending plans are based on three key principles: delivering for residents, focusing on prevention and preparing for the future.
“By taking a long-term view, I believe we have developed a clear and sustainable approach which gives us clarity of purpose for the future.
“The cost of social care remains our biggest financial challenge, but I believe we can improve the way we deliver these services to the most vulnerable in our community.
“We are fortunate as a council to have a wide range of assets and resources, but we need to use them better.
“I look forward to meeting residents at the public events and listening to their views on our plans to make their lives better.”
The council’s proposals will be available from Friday 20th December by visiting: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/respond-consultation where residents will also be able to give feedback via an online form. All feedback must be received by Friday 24th January.
The draft Corporate Strategy will be discussed by the council’s Policy Development and Scrutiny Panels and Area Forums before a decision is made in February.
