Proud of Radstock

Radstock councillor calls for heating systems renewal

2012-02-15T08:16:00.000Z

Residents in Huish Court, Writhlington, have been told by their social landlord that they will have to wait several years before they can have gas central heating installed in their homes.

Bristol-based Redlands Housing Association, which manages 1,200 properties in the region, has no plans to upgrade heating systems until 2015 – with residents having to make do with out-dated and ineffective night storage heaters.

The decision has been strongly criticised by residents and senior Radstock B&NES Councillor Simon Allen (Liberal Democrat). He said:

“Residents in Huish Court shared their concerns with me when I was holding a street surgery in Writhlington last week. They’ve asked for gas to be installed in their homes because the electric powered heating is far too expensive to run.

On their behalf I contacted Redlands Housing only to discover that the residents are in for a long – cold - wait, unless the social landlord can be persuaded to bring the works forward.”

Once installed, gas is cheaper to run, and does not have such a negative impact on the environment as electric powered heating.

Cllr Simon Allen, who is the Cabinet Member responsible for public health at Bath and North East Somerset Council, added:

“It’s important that social landlords and other public sector organisations help families to save money during the current financial climate.

The effects of having cold homes also aren’t good for people’s health. One Huish Court resident is recovering from pneumonia, partly caused by the unreliability of her current night storage heating system.

Cllr Simon Allen has asked Redlands Housing for the installation to be brought forward as soon as possible.

Radstock Regeneration funding

2012-02-10T08:46:00.000Z

Regeneration funding for Radstock

Radstock Councillor Simon Allen (Liberal Democrat) has welcomed proposals, published in the Councils budget papers this week, to invest £500,000 in projects to benefit Radstock and to kick-start regeneration of the town.

Councillor Allen said:

“Radstock has a lot to look forward to this year. The Radstock road network upgrade and development of the former railway land will bring a lot of benefits to the town. However other parts of Radstock still need investment to bring them back to life and to make the town an even better place to live and work.

“This additional funding will be used to improve the street scene, encourage property regeneration and development of sites around Radstock, and attract new businesses to the town. I am delighted to see the Liberal Democrat Cabinet demonstrating its commitment to Radstock and I look forward to hearing residents’ ideas for the detailed plans.

“Radstock, and the surrounding areas, will also benefit from other investment plans in the first Liberal Democrat budget, including 20mph schemes and investment in better broadband. I hope that all Councillors will be able to support this budget which is going to do so much for Radstock.”

Councillor Allen also commented on the start of work this week on the Radstock Road upgrade, saying:

“This road scheme is vital to tackle traffic congestion and to help unlock regeneration in Radstock. I am very pleased to see work actually getting started. I’m also pleased to note that the Council has listened to concerns about parking during the works and is addressing this.”

Contact: Councillor Simon Allen: 07540 059188

Calling Radstock Youth

2012-01-17T00:13:00.000Z

Carve out a crafty skill at Radstock Youth Hub>
> Young people aged 13-19 can try their hand at stone carving with free sessions at Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Radstock Youth Hub.
>
> The sessions will be led by local artist Jeff Body and will take place at the youth hub, on Church Street, Radstock, from 7-9pm on the following days:
>
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> * Thursday 19th January
> * Thursday 26th January
> * Thursday 2nd February
> * Thursday 9th February
> * Thursday 16th February
>
> There is no need to book – just drop in and get involved with this creative activity. Young people who attend five sessions can gain an accredited award.
>
> For more information contact Sam Plummer, at Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Radstock Youth Hub, on 01761 433288 or email sam_plummer@bathnes.gov.uk.

Trolley Talk in Radstock!

2012-01-13T21:43:00.000Z

Babies and toddlers pick up new skills in the supermarket with Trolley Talk

Families can enjoy a fun way to build their young children's language skills and confidence with a ground-breaking new initiative organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council at Radstock Co-operative Society's Radstock Superstore.

The “Trolley Talk” event takes place between 9am and 3pm, on Tuesday 31 January. Families taking part have to find five food items in the store and talk to their baby or toddler about what they have found.

Once they have completed the challenge, they will be awarded a goody bag containing a free storybook (donated by Reedmore Books) and money off coupon to spend in-store.

Councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib-Dem, Peasedown), Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth and Deputy Leader of Council, said: "This is a great opportunity for parents and grandparents to help develop their children's language skills in a fun way. Bath & North East Somerset Council is keen to improve the life chances of children and young people and this initiative - developed by our Early Years Team in collaboration with speech and language therapists - encourages families to talk to their children in the supermarket and help to get babies and toddlers communicating from the earliest moment."

Trolley Talk is being supported by local Children's Centres, schools and early years settings, as a way of promoting the importance of early language development and communication for children. It follows on from the national Hello Campaign, which aims to make children and young people's communication development a priority in homes and schools across the country.

Ali Temme, who is leading the Trolley Talk activities as Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Early Language Consultant, said: "Speech, language and communication underpin everything we do in life. Babies don't learn to talk by chance; communication is a skill that we learn and develop and is something we can all improve on. Taking time to have a conversation with your little one when you are out and about is a simple way to make a big difference to their language skills."

Don Morris, chief executive of Radstock Co-operative Society said: "Being at the heart of the community, we are delighted to be able to support local children through this initiative which encourages parents and carers to communicate with their children at a very early age during day to day activities. What better way to promote early learning communication skills than by shopping with your child in the familiar surroundings of the Radstock Superstore."

Radstock Road Scheme Welcomed

2012-01-13T09:52:00.000Z

Welcome for Radstock road scheme

Fewer jams; a new 20mph speed limit; and a kick start to regeneration will be among the benefits to Radstock of the town centre road project, approved this evening by B&NES’ Liberal Democrat Cabinet.

Commenting, Cllr Simon Allen (Liberal Democrat Councillor for Radstock) said:

“This project is great news for Radstock. I’m proud that we have approved a new road scheme that will deliver long-awaited improvements for the town centre.

“The new link road and other highways improvements will help to deliver regeneration and growth and will help unlock the long-awaited development of the railway land. As a resident, I’m really looking forward to seeing our town safer for pedestrians and cyclists, an improved traffic flow through Radstock with fewer traffic jams and better access for buses.

“I’m particularly pleased that the scheme includes a 20 mph speed limit throughout the town centre, something I have been campaigning for over the last 18 months. This, along with the additional zebra crossings, will improve safety and create a more pleasant environment in the shopping area.

“I also welcome the Council’s forthcoming £500k investment into 20mph speed limits in residential areas across B&NES. This will benefit St Nicholas CofE Primary School, as Kilmersdon Road will be included.

“I would like to thank all residents who have participated in the consultation process. I believe we have done an excellent job in running the widest possible consultation and the scheme has been substantially modified as a result. This goes to show that the Liberal Democrats are determined to run a listening Council, delivering improvements for all our residents.”

Extra Money for Social Care in Bath and North East Somerset

2012-01-07T11:30:00.001Z

An extra £457,275 for social care in Bath and North East Somerset will mean people can leave hospital earlier and receive better care at home.This comes from an extra £150m announced by the Coalition Government this week to be spent on shortening hospital stays across the country during the busy winter period.

Thanks to the Liberal Democrats, the cash can be used to access various preventative services such as better home care support, crisis response teams and specialist equipment for people in Bath and North East Somerset.This is on top of the £648m already given to Primary Care Trusts this financial year to support social care services, and the cash is due to savings made in the Department of Health’s budget.

Commenting, Cllr Simon Allen(Radstock) said:“At this time of year it is important to do everything we can to make sure people are cared for at home in a safe and familiar environment, with their family and friends close by. The Coalition is already doing the right thing and providing an extra £7.2bn in social care funding over the next four years. This extra cash for Bath and North East Somerset further shows how the Liberal Democrats, both nationally and locally, recognise that we all prefer to be out of hospital, receiving care in our own home.”

Commenting further, Liberal Democrat Health Minister, Paul Burstow said:“By reinvesting these savings in social care we can offer more help more support to older people leaving hospital. “It is absolutely crucial that the NHS and local authorities work together to help people leave hospital when they are ready. The benefits are on all sides – patients get to go home with the support they and their families need, and hospital beds are freed up.“This money will help cut the delays in getting the equipment and adaptations that people can need to enable them to live independently at home – saving them from an unnecessary stay in hospital or going into residential care.”

£457,275 will help people cared for at home

2012-01-07T07:31:00.000Z

Extra social care funding means better help at home for people in Bath and North East Somerset

An extra £457,275 for social care in Bath & North East Somerset will mean people can leave hospital earlier and receive better care at home.

This comes from an extra £150m announced by the Coalition Government this week to be spent on shortening hospital stays across the country during the busy winter period.

Thanks to the Liberal Democrats, the cash can be used to access various preventative services such as better home care support, crisis response teams and specialist equipment for people in B&NES.

This is on top of the £648m already given to Primary Care Trusts this financial year to support social care services, and the cash is due to savings made in the Department of Health’s budget.

Commenting, Don Foster MP said:

“At this time of year it is of particular importance to do everything we can to ensure people are cared for at home in a safe and familiar environment, with their family and friends close by.

“The Coalition is already doing the right thing and providing an extra £7.2bn in social care funding over the next four years. This extra cash for Bath further shows how the Liberal Democrats recognise that we all prefer to be out of hospital, receiving care in our own home.”

Welcoming the news, Cllr Simon Allen, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing added:

"This additional winter funding is very welcome and will provide people in Bath and North East Somerset with the support they need and out of hospital in a timely way.

“Liberal Democrats, both in Government and in Bath and North East Somerset Council, have long argued for integrated services in Health and Social Care. This additional money will encourage this even more and support people to be cared for in the way that is best for them."

Commenting further, Liberal Democrat Health Minister, Paul Burstow said:

“By reinvesting these savings in social care we can offer more help more support to older people leaving hospital.

“It is absolutely crucial that the NHS and local authorities work together to help people leave hospital when they are ready. The benefits are on all sides – patients get to go home with the support they and their families need, and hospital beds are freed up.

“This money will help cut the delays in getting the equipment and adaptations that people can need to enable them to live independently at home – saving them from an unnecessary stay in hospital or going into residential care.”

What's on at Radstock Children's Centre(January - March)

2011-12-30T09:49:00.001Z

There's lots to do at Radstock Children's Centre over the next couple of months -

Monday's - 117 Parenting Group(all welcome and crèche available)

9.30 - 11.30

Tuesday's - Childminding Group( for registered Childminders)

2nd & 4thTuesday @ 9.30 - 11.30

Messy Play13.00 - 14.30

Wednesday's - Bumps, Babes and Tots

10.00 - 11.45

One Stop Shop(Information sessions and groups for young parents)

Great Expectations(Young Parents Antenatal Group)

Thursday's - Citizens Advice Bureau(2nd Thursday of every month)

Call 01225 396 858 to book an appointment

Friday's - Child Health Drop In(children aged 0 - 5 years)

10.00 - 11.30

Saturday's - Dad's Group(first Saturday of every month)

10.30 - 12.00 @ Barnardos, MSN

Second Saturday Session(for families with children aged 0 - 8 who are unable to access groups during the week)

10.00 - 11.30 on -

14th January

11th February

10th March

All groups take place at Radstock Childrens(and Youth) Centre unless stated otherwise.

Calling Young Parents

2011-12-15T10:06:00.000Z

Young parents get a wide range of support from Radstock Children’s Centre
Young parents are being encouraged to attend a weekly “one stop shop” session run by Bath & North East Somerset Council at Radstock Children’s Centre.

The group meets every Wednesday between 1pm and 2.30pm to benefit from a wide range of services at the centre, which is next to Radstock Library.

The 2012 sessions begin on Wednesday 4 January and are open to any parent aged 21 or under with a child under five, from Midsomer Norton, Peasedown, Paulton, Radstock and surrounding villages.

Louise Belson, who runs the group as the Council’s lead outreach worker, said: “It’s a very informal group aimed specifically at young parents. We started in September and currently have around half a dozen parents who come along regularly with their children, but we would love to welcome more in the New Year.

“Parents who do come along tell us that they really benefit from meeting other parents who are the same age; it gives them a chance to have a chat and share their experiences and can also help them feel less isolated. The children love coming along to meet and play with other children and it really boosts their confidence.”

The children can get involved in activities such as painting and drawing and finish every session with singing and story time. A healthy snack is also provided for the children.

For parents looking for a bit of extra support, the group also offers advice on childcare, health, training, getting back into work, housing, benefits and much more. There are regular visitors to the group including midwives, health visitors, Connexions and Somer Housing staff as well as Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Family Information Service. There will also be an antenatal programme starting in the New Year run in partnership with the National Childbirth Trust.

Councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib-Dem, Peasedown), Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth, said: “Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to improving the life chances of children and young people. Children’s centre services are an important way in which we can support families and help ensure that children get a good early start in life.”

Radstock Children’s Centre is open Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 4.30pm, and Friday, 8.30am to 4pm. There are lots of other groups and services run from the centre including: Job Centre Plus clinics, drop in baby clinic, Citizens’ Advice Bureau drop in, breastfeeding support group and stay and play sessions.

Radstock is one of 11 children’s centres across Bath and North East Somerset. There are also centres at Bath, Chew Valley, Keynsham, Midsomer Norton, Paulton and Peasedown St John.

To find out more about children’s centre services in Radstock, Paulton, Peasedown and Midsomer Norton contact Heidi Limbert on 01225 396660 or email nortonradstock_childrenscentre@bathnes.gov.uk. Or for information on wider support for children and families available across the area please contact Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Family Information Service on 0800 0731214, fis@bathes.gov.uk or visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/fis

Children’s centres are a partnership between Bath & North East Somerset Council, the community and many other local professional and voluntary organisations including local schools and nurseries, the NHS, Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Job Centre Plus and voluntary organisations including First Steps, Barnardo’s and Southside.

MP and Councillors welcome news on Disability Living Allowance

2011-12-03T22:33:00.000Z

Bath MP Don Foster has welcomed the Government’s decisionto keep the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for those in care homes. Working closely with Bath MENCAP and local residents affected by proposals to remove the benefit, Don Foster has fought to ensure the payment would not be scrapped. Foster was the first MP to raise the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions in January 2011 and has had a series of further meetings with Ministers on the issue.

Earlier this month, Don backed Lord Low’s independent review that stated DLA mobility is essential to meeting the personal mobility needs of care home residents. The report stated that the mobility component provided disabled people with choice and control over how their mobility needs are met. It highlighted that there is no overlap between the support provided by DLA mobility and that offered by local authorities. Don Foster has long argued that this provided evidence for keeping the mobility component of the DLA for those in residential care homes.

Commenting, Don Foster, MP for Bath said, “I am delighted that the Government has agreed not to cut the mobility component of the DLA for those in care homes.Ending payment of the mobility component to people living in residential care would deny people control over their own lives and undermine the Government’s own commitment to greater personalisation in the support provided to disabled people”

Cllr Simon Allen, B&NES Council Cabinet Member for Wellbeing added, "This decision brings to an end the fears and concerns of many residents of Bath and North East Somerset about their future mobility needs. This decision promotes both independence and the continued personalisation of services and is clearly the right thing."

Commenting further, David Congdon, Head of Campaigns and Policy at Mencap said, “This is a vital benefit which will enable recipients to get out into their local community and visit friends and family. This is a great example of the Government listening to and working with disabled people and their organisations. We look forward to continuing this positive engagement in relation to wider reforms to the benefits system.”

Improved Road Layout for Radstock

2011-11-30T07:23:00.002Z

New plans by Bath & North East Somerset Council for an upgraded road system for Radstock will substantially reduce existing traffic congestion and support the development of the Former Railway Land resulting in a vital kick start for the local economy.

Local residents are invited to give their view on the new proposals by the Council at a public exhibition taking place on 9th and 10th December 2011 at Radstock Methodist Church. This forms part of a wider consultation running up to 20th December 2011.

Proposals had been put forward by the Council earlier in the year for an upgraded road system to help people move around the town better and pave the way for 210 new homes on the Former Railway Land. New public space in the town would also be opened-up for people to shop in and enjoy, creating more than 40 new jobs and generating £1.6 million for the Somer Valley area.

Following feedback from businesses and residents about the proposals, the Council has substantially modified these making significant improvements to address concerns raised during the initial consultation.

Councillor Roger Symonds (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Transport, said, “There is strong support for regenerating the town and creating new jobs and homes for local people. Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to supporting the actions required to make these aims a reality, which includes upgrading the road network. “The road link between Frome Road and The Street remains part of our proposals. We have listened carefully to what people have said and are changing those aspects which caused greatest concern. The end result is that the new plan cuts congestion and boosts the economy. Studies using the latest traffic models, predict that queues entering and leaving the town will significantly decrease. Pedestrian safety will be improved and the modified scheme continues to support the development of the Former Railway Land. I hope as many people can respond to the consultation on the Traffic Regulation Orders required to progress this new plan.”

Commenting on the proposals Cllr Simon Allen(Radstock Ward Councillor, Cabinet Member for WellBeing) said, " This improved scheme has taken the views and suggestions of local people into account and will deliver a road network which is safer for pedestrians, improves congestion and enables new homes to be built in Radstock. I would urge everyone to visit the exhibition to see the scheme for themselves."

What are the new proposals?

The main aspects of our proposals are as follows:

New road link between Frome Road and The Street will have an HGV ban from the west; Frome Road will remain two-way and the proposed one-way bus gate at the A367 junction will be removed – a 20 mph limit is now suggested; A mini-roundabout will replace the proposed signalised junction at the link with The Street; The existing double mini-roundabout at A367/ Frome Road will be retained and a new mini-roundabout at A367/ The Street will be built; The Street will become two-way and the direction of traffic on Fortescue Road will be reversed to become northbound; The proposed right turn ban out of Church Street will be removed; New pedestrian crossings will improve access by foot across The Street, the new link road and Frome Rd.

The Council investigated moving the electricity substation to build a single roundabout. The works necessary to complete this part of the project would cost £1.4 million alone – more than doubling the cost of the scheme unnecessarily.

A study has been commissioned to look at the potential for re-opening the rail line. This will be made public when complete. Our road network proposals are ‘future proofed’ to accommodate any future rail development.

Have your say… We are consulting on the proposed modifications to the Traffic Regulation Orders required to implement our proposals.

These are the ways to comment.

1.A Public Exhibition will be held at Radstock Methodist Church, The Street, Radstock, Bath, BA3 3PL, on Friday 9th December 3pm – 9pm and Saturday 10th December 2011, 12.30pm – 5pm

2.Online at www.bathnes.gov.uk/regenradstock where more detailed information about the proposals is contained or email transportation@bathnes.gov.uk

3.Write to us at: Bath and North East Somerset Council, Planning and Transport, Floor 2, Riverside, Temple Street, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1LA

For general queries on the plans call: 01225 394408.

Comments on all aspects of the road network proposals are welcome. The closing date for receiving written representations on the modified proposals is Tuesday, 20th December 2011.

Supported Lodgings Scheme

2011-11-17T22:03:00.000Z

Mind the Gap

The lives of young people in the late teens can be very difficult, even traumatic, for many reasons. For some there is a breakdown in family relationships, for some it’s bereavement, for others a wide range of emotional and physical problems bring about a need for someone to bridge the gap between upbringing by family or carers and independent living.

Liberal Democrat councillors Nathan Hartley (Deputy Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council and Councillor for Peasedown St John) and Simon Allen (Councillor for Radstock) are keen to encourage local residents to become lodging providers for young people in need of this intermediate support. Since the young people come from a wide variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, so too will the lodging providers, who might be families, single people or couples living together.

Cllr Allen emphasised, “It’s not a question of what qualifications a potential lodging provider might have, but much more about the special skills and qualities they can offer. For instance, it is essential that there is a genuine liking for teenagers and an understanding of the issues facing them. A warm and caring individual has the opportunity to make a real and positive difference to the lives of young people. There will be frustrating and challenging times but lodging providers receive training and on-going support. The minimum period would be 3 months and no more than 2 or 3 years in most circumstances. The whole purpose is moving people on to independent living in the long run.”

Cllr Hartley added, “Of course there will be assessments, training and a whole range of support issues to be addressed but we are looking for people out there who can be role models for young people and who can offer a stable home environment.

“There are so many things we need to learn as young people, things like cooking - not to mention healthy eating- and then there’s cleaning and doing the washing which are fundamental to healthy living. Then of course we all need to learn how to budget and manage our money. The young people, who will be in education or employment, must contribute £13 a week to the lodging provider; this may seem a very small amount but it’s an essential precursor to getting used to paying rent. The lodging provider receives a total of £154 a week including this contribution.”

A leaflet setting out the many issues involved in providing lodgings is available and anyone interested should call Bath & North East Somerset’s Accommodation Officer, Nicola Robinson on 01225 477802/396005 in the first instance or email her at supported_lodgings@bathnes.gov.uk

2011-11-17T22:02:00.000Z

Council works with partners to tackle youth unemployment - 17th Nov '11

A commitment to tackling youth unemployment is being made by Bath & North East Somerset Council after official statistics showed more than 1million young people nationwide are now out of work.

In Bath and North East Somerset youth unemployment actually fell over the last month from 815 to 765 (for 18-24 year olds) despite the worsening national picture. However the Council recognises that the figure is still too high (it was 565 in July of this year) and a severe hardship for all those affected.

Bath & North East Somerset Council sympathises with the significant challenge to young people to find employment during this period of national economic uncertainty and has pledged to do all it can to help.

One way to help is to assist business in the things they need to grow and create jobs. The other is to work alongside the unemployed to build up their skills, confidence and work experience. Bath & North East Somerset Council has designed a series of placement opportunities with employers (including itself) to give people the chance to gain some work experience and qualifications. The Council is also employing an Engagement Officer to assist people whilst on placements to ensure they get assistance at developing the attributes that employers say they need.

The Council works in partnership with the local universities, further education colleges, businesses, Job Centre Plus, and the local Learning and Skills Partnership to ensure the needs of employers and the unemployed are met.

Initiatives include:

a. Work with Job Centre Plus and others with a specific focus on18-24 year olds giving help with CV preparation, interview practice and job matching;

b. A project initiated by Bath & North East Somerset Council together with Sirona CiC will offer coaching to help find and secure a job for those who have been unemployed for a long time and it provides a complete service from a job seeker’s first enquiry to their first day at work;

c. Continue to work jointly with Connexions and others to promote local apprenticeships, such as through speed dating events with local businesses. Last year Bath & North East Somerset Council was successful in the 100 Apprentices in 100 days campaign;

d. Initiatives with Job Centre Plus and Bath and North East Somerset DWP Work Programme contractors recently appointed in the area (JHP Group Ltd and Rehab JobFit) to support long term out of work benefit claimants;

e. Continuing to deliver programmes to encourage greater levels of graduate retention from our universities, including placements in local businesses and joint events between university departments and local businesses;

f. A volunteering and work placement scheme across the Council and with external partners to give people experience to put on their CV that breaks into the vicious circle of ‘no experience no job’;

g. Continue to develop Youth Service Hubs to support young people not in education, employment or training;

h. Work with schools and Connexions to make sure young people have access to great advice about what their options are for continuing education, taking up apprenticeships or choosing a career and prevent the next generation of school leavers becoming unemployed;

i. The Council is also paying particular attention to those young people in its own care to make sure they get early and specific guidance that gets them on a positive pathway to work recognising they often face unique challenges.

Councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib-Dem, Peasedown), Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth – including responsibility for Skills and Employment – said: “The Council recognises that unemployment is a personal tragedy which lowers people’s self-esteem and confidence. People in jobs tend to be happier and healthier. Unemployment is blight on local communities and is not good for business. The Council recognises that it is business that creates jobs, but that we can help people with getting them skilled and ready to do those jobs.

“Creating new private sector jobs with better pay is essential so that the children and grandchildren that our excellent schools educate don’t have to move away to find employment but provide businesses with a local talent pool from which to draw

“We are also developing a ‘City of Ideas’ at Bath City Riverside where higher value businesses in the knowledge, creative, digital and scientific industries can locate and expand will create up to 2,000 jobs. We

Council works with partners to tackle youth unemployment - 17th Nov '11

A commitment to tackling youth unemployment is being made by Bath & North East Somerset Council after official statistics showed more than 1million young people nationwide are now out of work.

Initiatives include:

a. Work with Job Centre Plus and others with a specific focus on18-24 year olds giving help with CV preparation, interview practice and job matching;

g. Continue to develop Youth Service Hubs to support young people not in education, employment or training;

Free early years education for two-year olds in B&NES - 12th Nov '11

Free early education will be extended to 140,000 disadvantaged two-year- olds, and parents will be able to access the free entitlement more flexibly, under plans published by the Government.

In B&NES around 200 two-year olds are expected to benefit from the proposals.

Liberal Democrat Children’s Minister, Sarah Teather, announced a consultation today on how this commitment will be implemented. The plans include proposals to help parents and children alike by making the free entitlement of 15 hours per week of early education more flexible, so it can be taken between 7am and 7pm across two days instead of the current three days.

Commenting, Don Foster, MP for Bath said:

“Helping 200 two-year-old children from the poorest backgrounds in Bath and North East Somerset will benefit them for years to come.

“High quality early education is the key to making a difference early on in a child’s life and help make Britain a fairer and more equal society.

“Improving social mobility is a Liberal Democrat priority in Government and early years education is crucial to achieve this.

“Targeting early education at those who stand to benefit most, is an important to achieve this goal. It will be an integral part to disadvantaged children’s healthy development.”

B&NES Council's Deputy Leader, Cllr Nathan Hartley, who is also the Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth, added:

“In addition to the Pupil Premium, in B&NES we welcome this further funding for early years development.

“A key aim of this Liberal Democrat administration is to ensure that children from all backgrounds are given the best possible start in life. These proposals will means our youngest are not falling behind before they have even started primary school.”

Commenting on the proposal, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg said:

“I want us to give every child the best possible start – so free education for toddlers from the most disadvantaged homes will now be a right and not a privilege.

“Crucially the extra care will be flexible and easy to access. Parents across the country are bending over backwards to balance work and home. The Coalition wants to help in whatever way we can.”

200 two-year olds will benefit in Bath and North-East Somerset

2011-11-12T10:38:00.000Z

		NEWS from DON FOSTER Member of Parliament for Bath Contact: (01225) 338973

Date:	11^th November 2011

Free early years education for two-year olds in B&NES

Free early education will be extended to 140,000 disadvantaged two-year- olds, and parents will be able to access the free entitlement more flexibly, under plans published by the Government today.