Calling all couples – tie the knot in Bath

Pick the perfect time to get hitched!

Couples may now have their marriage or civil partnership ceremony carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Register Office at any time of the day or night.

A recent change in legislation means that ceremonies can be carried out 24 hours a day, across Bath and North East Somerset.  In the past, couples who have wanted to get married or create civil partnerships in the district have only been able to do so between the hours of 8am and 6pm.  The new legislation will allow more venues in the area to become licensed for marriages and civil partnerships, and museums will potentially be able to stay open outside of their normal working hours in order to host ceremonies. Furthermore the change has created an opportunity for more business in the local wedding industry.

As the Liberal Democrat Leader of the Council I am challenging all areas of the Council to take opportunities to earn the Council extra revenue and thus help us provide more services. Allowing couple to get hitched at a time of their choosing is yet another example of our commitment to service.

In 2012, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Register Office conducted 1,010 marriage and civil partnership ceremonies within the district. The Council hopes that this number will increase considerably over the course of 2013, as more venues get involved, and help to boost the local economy. In addition to several attractive venues that the Council operates a number of other companies offer these services in our area.

Winter Warmth

Winter Warmth Club aims to put end to suffering in the cold.

As the Liberal Democrat Council Leader it is important to me that we all appreciate that keeping warm during winter is essential for people who are vulnerable or elderly to prevent a deterioration in their quality of life or even in more severe cases a hospital admission. The Winter Warmth Club provides a wide range of help and support which Bath & North East Somerset Council is delighted to provide. It will help drastically improve the well-being of those who struggle with the cold weather. By calling the free helpline, residents can speak to a member of the Home Energy Team who will find them help from the right people. If you know someone who suffers with the cold, pass on the Club’s phone number, so that if they do need help, they can get it quickly. Again this project show how importantly my administration takes partnership working across sectors is for delivering good outcomes for our residents. It enables us to give a wide ranging support and hopefully be better enabled to answer all the questions and problems raised through the scheme.

Residents who can’t afford to keep their homes warm during the winter are invited to contact Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Winter Warmth Club, which offers practical support and advice on how to stay warm and well during the colder weather.

The Winter Warmth Club, which is particularly aimed at vulnerable and older people, offers a number of crucial services including:

·        A home visit from Red Cross staff or volunteers

·        A free Winter Warmth pack, containing essentials for winter weather and power cuts

·        Discounted heating repairs and improvements using trusted contractors

·        Supplying oil-filled radiators until heating is reinstated

·        Winter safety checks

·        A referral to get funding for energy efficiency improvements like loft insulation

·        Loft clearance in preparation for insulation

·        Draught proofing – doors, windows, chimneys, loft hatches , etc

·        Path clearance

·        Hot water tank or pipe lagging

·        Draught proofing training

·        Advice on benefits, grants and services that can help

·        Free smoke alarms and advice on fire hazards from Avon Fire and Rescue

Full details about the service are available on the Council website https://sslvpn.bathnes.gov.uk/http/www.bathnes.gov.uk/wwc or by calling the Home Energy Team free on 0800 0822234.