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"The Liberal Democrats exist in Bath and North East Somerset to create a more open, more free, more fair place to live and work.
"We are currently running B&NES council and our cabinet is working hard to ensure our council tax payers are getting value for money in these tough economic times.
"We are dedicated to creating a strong, sustainable economy in Bath and North East Somerset focussing on job creation, green initiatives and cleaner transport.
"Bath and North East Somerset should be an affordable, desirable place to live, and only the Liberal Democrats will work, all year round, to make it happen
"You can find out more, including how to keep in touch or join the Liberal Democrats, on this site."
Lib Dems launch the new Future Fund
May 2012
Dear resident,
Over the last 12 months, the Liberal Democrat Administration at Bath and North East Somerset Council has made every effort to show how much we value and prioritise services for children and young people.
Whether that’s protecting the youth service budget, investing in play provision, or increasing funding for Children in Care, we have shown that supporting children from an early age is paramount to ensuring they do well in later life.
It’s because of this commitment that I am pleased to announce the launch of the brand new Future Fund.
Totalling £100,000, it’s a fund to support positive activities for young people and to provide them with even more opportunities to volunteer, take part in recreational activities and receive support and assistance with getting into work or training.
The fund will be divided into two parts. Firstly, £60,000 has been earmarked to fund groups and initiatives that support young people to get involved with positive activities. The remaining £40,000 is specifically for young people who are struggling to find training or employment. The money will be used to ensure that the young people we work with have a better chance of fulfilling their goals and aspirations.
We’ll be releasing details over the coming weeks and months as to how local people can apply to the Future Fund.
The Council is committed to ensuring that all children and young people enjoy their childhood and are prepared for adult life.
Yours sincerely,
Nathan
Cllr Nathan Hartley
Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth
Liberal Democrat, Peasedown St John
Bath and North East Somerset Council
Victoria Bridge Update
Earlier this month an update meeting was held to inform councillors and the public what was happening to Victoria Bridge. The meeting dwelt heavily on the heritage value of the bridge and how important it is architecturally as well as a major cycling and walking route.
Four options were put before us: rebuild the bridge piece by piece out of steel, keep the bridge made out of iron but not load baring with a second 'deck' on top, knock it down and build a beautifully architectured bridge or knock it down and build a 'functional' bridge.
The council seems to be favouring Option 1. This means that once Crest have secured the site a temporary route accross the bridge will be opened up. It is anticipated that this will take place at the end of May. However, at the end of 2012 the bridge will have to close again while the full refurbishment is carried out and this could take another year.
Your councillors will continue to push Crest and the council to ensure that the swiftest most appropriate solution is found.
New Chief Executive Announced
Council names new Chief Executive
Bath & North East Somerset Council has named its new Chief Executive to succeed the existing Chief Executive John Everitt upon his retirement.
Following a rigorous selection process, Dr Jo Farrar, currently Chief Executive of Bridgend County Borough Council, was selected from over 50 applications for the position.
Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Leader of Council, said: “We’re delighted to recommend Jo Farrar to become the new Chief Executive of Bath & North East Somerset Council, subject to the approval of the full Council later this month
“We attracted an impressive field of applicants and the interview panel reached a unanimous decision in recommending Dr Farrar for appointment. All members of the panel agreed that she possesses the necessary vision, strategic skills and experience to meet the future needs of the Council and address the challenges ahead.”
Dr Farrar has been Chief Executive of Bridgend County Borough Council since 2007 – managing a team of 8,000 employees and a revenue budget of £300 million. She has extensive experience of managing the delivery of frontline council services including children, transportation, waste management, adult social care and regeneration. She also led a major programme of transformational change to turn Bridgend County Borough Council into a high performing authority.
Prior to that Dr Farrar has enjoyed success in a number of other high profile roles with organisations including Cardiff Council, Welsh Government, London Borough of Camden and the Government’s Cabinet Office, where she worked as Deputy Director (2000-2003) alongside the Cabinet Secretary and Prime Minister to lead public service reform.
Dr Farrar said: “I’m proud to be joining Bath & North East Somerset as Chief Executive. This is an exciting and prestigious opportunity and one which will allow me to use the significant experience I have gained in Bridgend to maximise the potential of an influential city for the benefit of the whole of the surrounding district.
“I look forward to working with staff, councillors and other organisations, such as community groups, to continue to deliver the best possible services for residents, businesses and visitors right across Bath and North East Somerset.”
Dr Farrar’s appointment has to be confirmed at a meeting of the full Council on 28 March. Subject to this, Jo will be taking every opportunity to familiarise herself with the Council, prior to an anticipated start date at the beginning of August 2012. John Everitt has agreed to continue in his role until a formal handover can be completed.
Clutton ward does well out of Liberal Democrat budget
I am writing to express thanks to the current B&NES Liberal Democrat cabinet for keeping such an admirable capital sum aside for the Clutton ward in the recently approved budget.
The current...